Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program serves more than 14,000 individuals and families in central and northeastern Connecticut

Nearly $27 million returned to local residents

Hartford, Conn. July 23, 2026 – More than 14,000 tax filers received free tax preparation and filing services from hundreds of IRS-certified volunteer tax preparers. This effort resulted in $26.8 million in refunds and credits returned to Connecticut communities thanks to the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA).  

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.   

During the 2025 tax season, VITA was available at no cost to individuals and families with household incomes of up to $69,000. Across central and northeastern Connecticut, nearly $8 million of federal and state Earned Income Tax Credits (EITC) were claimed, according to IRS reports.  

“For more than two decades, our United Way has been a leader in our VITA coalition, helping filers access critical tax refunds like the EITC, a proven tool to move people out of poverty,” said Eric Harrison, President and CEO, United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut. “We extend our gratitude to the hundreds of dedicated VITA volunteers who return year after year. Without their time and commitment in service to our community, VITA would not be available for thousands of local adults and families.” 

Individuals and families throughout central and northeastern Connecticut receive much-needed financial boost through the credits and refunds VITA’s volunteers help them uncover. 

 Taxpayers also receive free financial resources to help them manage their budget, set financial and build their savings through the program.    

“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 well-being for families and children. We’re grateful for all the volunteers who made this possible,” said Hector Glynn, President and CEO, The Village.    

“HRA is pleased to provide a free service to help many lower-income families who otherwise would be challenged to pay to have their taxes done. We are pleased especially to help qualifying taxpayers 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 $69,000 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 send an email to The  

Village team at vita@thevillage.org, 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 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 (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