For many families, tax season is one of the most important financial moments of the year.

‍

A refund can mean catching up on rent, paying down debt, covering childcare, or finally having a small buffer that helps households stay financially stable during uncertain times.

‍

Filing taxes takes time, costs money, and can be confusing. For the 2024 tax year, Americans spent billions of hours and hundreds of billions of dollars navigating the tax system. On average, people spent about 13 hours and $300 just to file.

‍

For households already managing tight budgets, that is a real barrier. It can also mean missing out on credits they have already earned.

‍

That is where VITA comes in.

‍

Why VITA Matters Right Now

‍

Across the country, Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) programs help people file accurate tax returns at no cost. These services are delivered by IRS-certified volunteers in places people already trust, like libraries, local nonprofits, and community centers.

‍

Just as important, VITA programs help families claim credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and the Child Tax Credit (CTC). These credits can add up to thousands of dollars and often make the difference between getting by and getting ahead.  

‍

Even so, millions of eligible households still miss out every year. In many cases, it is simply because they do not have access to a trusted place to file or do not know they qualify.

‍

What We Are Seeing in the Field

‍

This year, we saw a clear signal from the field.  

‍

Applications for support from the Prosperity Now VITA Support Fund nearly tripled compared to last year. Organizations across the country are trying to meet growing demand with limited staff, volunteers, and resources.  

‍

At the same time, expectations are increasing. Providers are not just filing returns. They are helping people navigate new tools, understand changing rules, and connect their tax refunds to longer-term financial goals.  

‍

That is why we partnered with the Wells Fargo Foundation to expand the VITA Support Fund by providing a $1 million philanthropic grant. This includes a first round of subawards being deployed now, with an additional round of funding planned for fall 2026. Details on how to apply will be shared in the coming months.  

‍

This support allows us to provide more organizations with direct funding to strengthen the services they provide, while also offering training, technical assistance, and peer learning through the Tax Opportunity Network (TON).  

‍

What This Means for Your Work

‍

We also know that support alone is not enough. Timing matters.  

‍

This year, we are releasing new VITA Train materials in October 2026, when programs are recruiting volunteers, setting up sites, and preparing for the upcoming filing season. This means VITA programs and tax preparers will have access to updated training and resources when they need them most.  

‍

Together, these efforts are designed to give VITA programs and tax preparers what they need earlier, when planning and preparation are happening, not after the season has already started.

‍

Our goal is simple. Make it easier to serve more people, with better tools, at the right time.

‍

Where We Go From Here

‍

Demand for no-cost tax preparation is not slowing down.  

‍

More families are turning to VITA programs for help, and more organizations are stepping up to meet that need. But in many communities, capacity is still stretched.

‍

Meeting this moment will take continued partnership across philanthropy, financial institutions, government, and community organizations.

‍

At Prosperity Now, we are focused on supporting the providers doing this work every day and making sure they have the resources, training, and connections they need to succeed.

‍

If you are part of a VITA program or support tax preparation services, we invite you to join our Tax Opportunity Network. It is a place to access training, share ideas, and stay connected to others doing this work across the country.

‍

Because when the system works better for providers, it works better for the families they serve.  

‍

2026 VITA Support Fund

‍

The organizations below represent this year’s VITA Support Fund recipients, reflecting the strength and reach of providers working every day to support their communities. Learn more here.  

‍

2026 VITA Support Fund recipients:

‍

Ada Jenkins Families and Careers Development Center, Inc.

Alaska Business Development Center

ASIAN, Inc.

Blackstone Valley Community Action Program, Inc. (BVCAP)

CASA, Inc.

CASH Campaign of Maryland

CEIBA Inc

East River Development Alliance Inc. dba Urban Upbound

Increasing H.O.P.E

International Rescue Committee in San Diego (IRC in SD)

Koreatown Youth and Community Center

Lakes and Pines Community Action Council Inc.

Nevada Free Taxes Coalition

New Economics for Women

North Texas Area United Way

Northeast Kingdom Community Action

Penquis C.A.P., Inc.

Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corporation

Prepare + Prosper

Progreso Latino

The Village for Families & Children

United Planning Organization

United Way of Central Shenandoah Valley

United Way of Central Texas

United Way of Frederick County, MD

United Way of Greater Stark County

United Way of Northern New Jersey

United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County

United Way of San Joaquin County

United Way of South Texas

United Way of Southeast Louisiana

United Way of the Plains: Free Tax Filing Services

United Way of the Wine Country

United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona

United Way Suncoast

University of Utah - Financial Wellness Center

Urban League of Greater Chattanooga

‍