Tax Deadline Approaches and Taxpayers Still Have the Opportunity to use Free VITA Services to File Their Taxes

Tax Deadline Approaches and Taxpayers Still Have the Opportunity to use Free VITA Services to File Their Taxes 

The Central and Northeastern Connecticut VITA Coalition reminds households with annual incomes of up to $68,000 to file no-cost state and federal tax returns through Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA).  

Hartford, Conn. April 9, 2025 – With the tax season coming to an end, the Central and Northeastern VITA Coalition (comprised of United Way, The Village and Human Resources Agency of New Britain); and, Lieutenant Governor, Susan Bysiewicz, encourage qualified families to make use of the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) services to file their taxes to claim all of the tax credits and refunds they have earned. VITA is a free, professional and trusted resource that offers free federal and state income tax preparation and filing for Connecticut residents with annual household incomes of up to $68,000. The tax deadline is Tuesday, April 15.  

The Coalition announced that tomorrow, April 10, walk-ins will be welcomed, and services will be offered uninterrupted from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at HRA North Oak Community Center in New Britain and The Village South in Hartford for the benefit of the qualified households.   

“United Way plays a leadership role in the VITA campaign across the 860 region to support eligible individuals and families. VITA is a key strategy to help qualified households claim the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), which has been proven to lift people out of poverty, which is United Way’s ultimate goal,” said Eric Harrison, President and CEO, United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut. “We also would like to recognize the collaborative work of our VITA Coalition partners, The Village for Families & Children and Human Resource Agency of New Britain, and the hundreds of volunteers who dedicate their time and effort to earn IRS-certification to prepare and file state and federal taxes for people in our communities. Together, we are closing financial gaps and creating opportunities for local families to achieve financial stability.”  

As of March 28, 2025, the VITA Coalition has prepared and filed tax returns for more than 10,200 households, which has returned nearly $15 million dollars back to our community in tax refunds and credits. Of this, $5.3 million is from the Earned Income Tax Credit alone.  

“Thank you to the Central and Northeastern VITA Coalition – the United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut, Human Resources Agency of New Britain, Inc., and The Village for Families & Children – for the hard work they have done this tax season. VITA services have successfully allowed program recipients to maximize their tax credits, avoid unnecessary fees and increase their financial stability,” said Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz. “Now with filing deadlines right around the corner, I know that some residents may feel stressed about getting their taxes completed in time – VITA services are still available to help, and I encourage qualifying residents to take advantage.” 

In addition to helping individuals and families save money by having IRS-certified volunteers prepare and file their taxes for free, our Coalition provides no-cost financial resources that help local individuals and families to manage their budgets, set financial goals and many more.    

“HRA is proud to offer tax assistance to thousands of people in our community each year,” said Dr. Marlo Greponne, HRA Executive Director. “We see the difference it makes to family budgets when low-income people and their families get refunds and credits, they have worked for like 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,” concluded Dr. Greponne.   

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

• Their annual household income is up to $68,000;  

• Their business expenses are less than $35,000 if self-employed;   

• They do not have income from a rental property;   

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

• They speak limited English and need assistance.   

After April 10, VITA sites will be available by appointment until the season ends on Tuesday, April 15. Filers can visit 211ct.org/taxhelp or dial 2-1-1, press 3 then 6 to schedule their appointment in the Greater Hartford, Tolland, Enfield and Windham areas. To make an appointment in the Greater New Britain-Berlin area, visit hranbct.org/VITA or dial 860-356-2000. 

“At The Village, we know firsthand that financial wellness has a direct impact on the overall health of the families and communities we serve,” said Toral Sanghavi, Senior Vice President of Programs at The Village for Families & Children. “We’re proud to provide VITA alongside our coalition partners to ease families’ financial anxiety, ensure they get every credit available to them, and keep their money in their pockets. If you’re eligible for VITA, please come see us for help with your taxes and to learn about other ways we can support your journey to financial stability.” 

MyFreeTaxes.com is also available for people who prefer to file securely on their own. This service is at no-cost offering powered by United Way. Filers with annual household income of up to $84,000 are eligible to prepare and submit their state and federal tax returns using MyFreeTaxes.com.  

This year Connecticut’s residents can also use the IRS Direct File as an option to file their federal tax returns online at https://directfile.irs.gov/. After completing their federal taxes, this service will direct people to Connecticut free service to file their state tax return. Both services are free for people claiming standard deductions and some tax credits.  

For a complete list of required documents needed for VITA Tax Preparation, go to https://uwc.211ct.org/vita-docs/.  

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About United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut 
United Way closes gaps in child literacy, housing, wages and life expectancy to make the 860 region an equitable place where everyone succeeds. United Way does this by aligning partners across sectors to end poverty; leveraging information and experience to deepen impact; connecting people with resources and opportunities to make a difference; and, transforming the future with game-changing solutions. 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.   

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

The Village for Families & Children Media Contact:
Sarah Heath, 860.751.4179, sheath@thevillage.org   

Human Resources Agency Inc. of New Britain, Inc. (HRA) Contact:
Dr. Marlo Greponne, 860.348.2260, mgreponne@hranbct.org