Connecticut VITA Coalitions Announce Free Tax Assistance Available 

Households with annual income of up to $69,000 in 2025 qualify for no-cost tax preparation and filing.   

Hartford, Conn. (Jan. 15, 2026) – The 2026 Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) campaign will begin on January 26 to offer free federal and state income tax preparation and filing for qualifying Connecticut residents, but residents can start today setting up their appointments. The announcement was made today by all Connecticut VITA Coalitions, including the North Central Coalition comprised of United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut, The Village for Families & Children (The Village) and Human Resources Agency of New Britain, Inc. (HRA); SimplifyCT; and, Advancing Connecticut Together (ACT) alongside Rep. Kate Farrar, ahead of the 2026 tax season. The coalitions also shared a new parameter this year – the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) will no longer issue checks to VITA filers receiving a refund.  

These coalitions serve the whole state of Connecticut by offering no-cost ax preparation and filing services to eligible residents. Last year alone, the coalitions together served more than 40,000 households in the state, returning nearly $50 million to households experiencing financial hardship.  

“In an economy where 40% of Connecticut households are experiencing working or extreme poverty, VITA is an essential service to so many. The program’s free tax filing services allows filers to maximize the refunds and credits they’ve earned, which are often invested right back into our local economy,” said Eric Harrison, President and CEO, United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut. “We are proud to convene all VITA Coalitions in Connecticut to announce the kick-off to the 2026 VITA campaign and to spread the word about the relief that this support means to thousands of families in our state,” added Harrison.  

In addition to helping people prepare and file their taxes at no cost, VITA is designed to aid individuals and families get ahead financially, pay down debt and work toward saving for the future.   

“The Village is very proud to provide VITA alongside our partners at United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut and HRA of New Britain. We know that financial stress has a direct impact on the mental health, success and stability of the families we serve. By providing free tax help, we ensure they save on the cost to file, get every credit available to them, help ease their anxiety and ensure they’re set up for success in the future,” said The Village President & CEO Hector Glynn. 

VITA volunteers are IRS-certified, taking and passing tax law training that meets or exceeds IRS standards. This training includes maintaining the privacy and confidentiality of all taxpayer information; and, identifying tax credits and refunds filers are eligible for.    

“Annually, an average of $10 million in unclaimed Earned Income Tax Credits is left on the table. We urge you to file through VITA to help claim all of the tax credits you have earned,” shared Juan Berrios, Executive Director, SimplifyCT. “Without everyone’s collective support, we couldn’t serve the entire state together.”  

Taxpayers are eligible to have their taxes prepared and filed for free through VITA if:    

• Their annual household income is up to $69,000;   

• They are a person with a disability; and/or;    

• They are a person who speaks limited English.  

“HRA is proud to offer tax assistance to thousands of people in our community each year, and the services are available in English, Spanish and Polish,” said Dr. Marlo Greponne, Executive Director at HRA. “We see the difference it makes to family budgets when low-income people and their families get refunds and the Earned Income Tax Credit. As importantly, we welcome the chance to connect our VITA customers to other programs at our agency that can address all their social and human needs,” added Dr. Greponne.     

To schedule a VITA appointment to have your federal and state tax returns prepared and filed at no cost in: 

• Greater Hartford, Tolland, Enfield and Windham areas, visit uwc.211ct.org/taxhelp or dial 2-1-1, press 3 then 6.  

• Greater New Britain and Bristol areas, visit hranbct.org/VITA or dial 860-356-2000.   

• Fairfield County area, visit www.simplifyct.org for Virtual VITA or to schedule an appointment online, or call 860-590-8910 for an in-person appointment. This number is available 24/7. 

• New Haven, Fairfield, New London, Middlesex and Litchfield counties dial 2-1-1, press 3 then 6 or visit getyourrefund.org/ACT-CT.  

“VITA tax assistance is about more than filing taxes, it’s about access to trusted support and the resources to build a stronger financial future. By providing free, reliable tax preparation services, the program helps individuals and families navigate a complex system, maximize eligible refunds and credits, and reduce the stress that often comes with tax season,” said Rep. Kate Farrar (D-West Hartford/Newington). “Most importantly for many this year, VITA ensures that everyone who is eligible receives Connecticut’s new additional tax credit of $250 to households who qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit.” 

“ACT offers a range of educational programs designed to build long-term financial stability and economic resilience,” said Takima Robinson, Chief Program Officer, Advancing Connecticut Together (ACT). “Last year, we further expanded our financial capacity and asset-building efforts with the launch of Beyond VITA, a holistic program that extends beyond the traditional scope of VITA services. Beyond VITA provides year-round support to individuals and communities by offering ongoing tax assistance and financial guidance throughout the year. Participants gain essential knowledge and overall financial well-being—empowering them to make informed financial decisions and build a stronger future,” added Robinson. 

For a complete list of required documents needed for VITA Tax Preparation and updates related to tips, overtime and vehicle interest deduction, go to https://uwc.211ct.org/vita-docs/.  

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About United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut 
United Way mobilizes resources and aligns strategic partners to end poverty in the 860 region by closing gaps in child literacy, housing, wages and life expectancy with the goal of a region where there are equal opportunities for everyone to succeed. For more information, visit unitedwayinc.org.    

About The Village for Families & Children 
The Village for Families & Children was one of the first agencies in the country to provide homes for neglected children. Today, The Village provides a full range of behavioral health, early and childhood youth development, substance use treatment, and support services for children, families, and adults in the Greater Hartford region. Learn more at thevillage.org.   

About Human Resources Agency of New Britain, Inc. (HRA) 
The Human Resources Agency of New Britain, Inc. is a multi-service non-profit organization dedicated to increasing economic self-sufficiency among individuals and families residing in greater New Britain, Bristol, and surrounding towns. HRA’s five program divisions house its wide variety of services; early childhood education, community and neighborhood, employment and training, energy and housing, and health and wellness. For more information, visit our website at hranbct.org.   

About SimplifyCT 

SimplifyCT is a nonprofit 501 (C) (3) Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) provider that has helped thousands of Connecticut families file tax returns virtually and in-person. SimplifyCT provides tax assistance and advice at no cost. SimplifyCT is a trusted State and national partner with organizations including the White House, the Administration for Children & Families, the Internal Revenue Service, the State of CT, and the national nonprofits Code for America, Share Our Strength, and United Way. 

About Advancing Connecticut Together  

Advancing Connecticut Together (ACT), with its partners, addresses the root causes of poverty, addiction and health inequities through strength-based services and advocacy to ensure all people in Connecticut have equitable resources necessary to achieve multi-generational health, wealth and happiness. 

United Way Media Contact:
Anyeline Céspedes López, 787.502.0436, acespedes@unitedwayinc.org