Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program returns nearly $18 million to residents of central and northeastern Connecticut

Hartford, Conn. July 18, 2025 – More than 13,500 tax filers received free tax preparation and filing services from hundreds of IRS-certified volunteer tax preparers, resulting in nearly $18 million in refunds and credits being returned to Connecticut communities thanks to the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) campaign. 

The central and northeastern Connecticut VITA coalition includes support from United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut, The Village for Families & Children (The Village) and Human Resources Agency of New Britain, Inc. (HRA). VITA helps individuals and families get ahead financially, pay down debt and work toward saving for the future.  

The VITA campaign was available at no cost to individuals and families during the tax season with household incomes up to $68,000 in 2024. Across central and northeastern Connecticut, $6 million of federal and state Earned Income Tax Credits (EITC) were claimed, according to IRS reports.  

“United Way is committed to ending poverty through innovative collaboratives that leverage public and private partnerships. For more than two decades, our United Way has been a leader in our VITA coalition, helping filers access the critical tax refunds they’ve earned. We are positioned to do this thanks to the generosity of our supporters, partners and advocates who are passionate about creating positive systemic change in service to our community,” said Eric Harrison, President and CEO, United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut.  

VITA supports filers in three key ways: saving money on tax-related fees as IRS-certified volunteers prepare and file their taxes for free, people receive a much-needed boost when they receive all the credits and refunds they have earned, and taxpayers receive free financial resources that help them manage their budgets, set financial goals and build their savings.   

“We extend significant gratitude to the hundreds of dedicated VITA volunteers who return year after year. Without their time and talent in service to our community, VITA would not be available to support thousands of local adults and families,” added Harrison. 

“The Village is proud to have helped unlock millions of dollars for families in Greater Hartford. We know that this money goes directly to meeting their basic needs, oftentimes assisting with rent, car repairs and groceries. By reducing financial stress, we can improve overall wellness for families and children. We’re grateful for all the volunteers who made this possible and are already planning for next year!” said Hector Glynn, President and CEO, The Village.  

“HRA is pleased to provide a free service to help many low-income families who otherwise would be challenged to pay to have their taxes done. We are pleased especially to help families access the refunds and credits like EITC that they have due. For many, it is a well-deserved reward for the work they do to support their households. It makes a true difference to families living on a budget,” said Dr. Marlo Greponne, Executive Director, HRA of New Britain.  

VITA volunteers are still filing returns for taxpayers with annual household incomes up to $68,000 that qualify for VITA, including tax filers who received tax forms (such as a W2) late or filed for an extension. Filers seeking assistance in Greater Hartford should call The Village VITA assistance hotline at 860.971.4750, and filers seeking assistance in New Britain and the surrounding areas should call HRA of New Britain at 860.826.2278.   

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 (The Village) 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 www.hranbct.org  

Media Contacts: 
(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