Program funded by PNC Foundation, Charles Schwab Bank
LAS VEGAS- United Way of Southern Nevada (UWSN) in partnership with local Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) programs and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) invites the community to access free tax preparation services this tax season. These services, provided by local VITA programs, are supported by the PNC Foundation, Charles Schwab Bank, and UWSN to expand accessibility to free tax preparation services across Southern Nevada.
Local VITA sites provide free income tax preparation services for low- to moderate-income taxpayers through the VITA program. VITA offers free tax help to people who generally make $60,000 or less, persons with disabilities, the elderly and limited English-speaking taxpayers who need assistance in preparing their own tax returns. UWSN has partnered with the largest VITA site in Southern Nevada, Nevada Free Taxes Coalition (NFTC), to increase community awareness of these services and expand their volunteer base for this program.
UWSN and NFTC encourage community members to volunteer in the VITA program to expand the community’s access to these services. Southern Nevadans looking to access free tax support or to sign up to become a VITA volunteer can visit https://www.nvfreetaxes.org/.
“UWSN is proud to support local VITA programs to ensure Southern Nevadans are able to access the support they need to file their taxes at no cost,” said UWSN president and CEO, Julian High. “The additional funds provided through a tax return can provide support to Southern Nevadans by helping cover the cost of basic needs and set them up for success in the future.”
Through this program, IRS-certified VITA volunteers will provide free tax preparation services and information on refundable tax credits that Nevadans may be eligible for, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC), the Child Tax Credit (CTC) and the Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC). This year, the program will expand its volunteer recruitment efforts through grant funding from PNC Foundation and Charles Schwab Bank.
“As a national main street bank, PNC is committed to moving all forward financially,” said Denette Suddeth, PNC regional president for Nevada. “Bringing free tax assistance to Nevadans most in need of these services is a solution that strengthens the entire community.”
“Charles Schwab Bank is proud to be a partner on this important initiative. We know that EITC is one of the most effective programs to address economic insecurity,” said Charles Schwab Bank’s Director of Community Development, Elaina Mulé. “Promoting financial capability is one of the core pillars of our community development program in Nevada and supporting the VITA program is an effective way way to create meaningful impact.”
In 2022 alone, 31 million workers and families received about $64 billion in EITC. The average amount of EITC received nationwide was about $2,043. Through awareness efforts, UWSN and NFTC are providing an often-missed opportunity for eligible Southern Nevadans to file a tax return and claim tax credits even if they don’t owe taxes. These additional funds provided by the EITC, CTC, AOTC and ACT can be essential for Southern Nevadans and can cover groceries, rent, utilities and other bills.