News Summary
Greenwood residents can look forward to the return of the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program for the 2025 tax season. This initiative, provided by the United Way of the Lakelands in collaboration with the IRS, offers free tax preparation assistance for individuals and families earning $60,000 or less. With several accessible locations and no appointments needed, the program aims to ease the burden of tax filing and ensure that low-income households maximize their refunds. The VITA program runs from January 27 to April 11, 2025.
Exciting News for Greenwood Residents: Tax Time Made Easy!
Greenwood, get ready for the 2025 tax season! The beloved Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program is coming back, and it’s bigger and better than ever! This fantastic initiative is a collaborative effort between the United Way of the Lakelands and the IRS, aimed at lending a hand to individuals and families who need it most – those earning $60,000 or less.
What is VITA?
VITA provides free tax preparation assistance to people in our community who might feel overwhelmed by the thought of doing their taxes alone. This program isn’t just about filing tax returns; it’s about helping eligible taxpayers make the most out of their refunds and promoting a sense of financial stability for many households. By offering this service, VITA helps ensure that individuals don’t miss out on valuable tax credits that can make a significant difference.
Meet the Team!
Leading this year’s VITA program is an amazing team, including dedicated volunteers who are ready to assist you. Under thoughtful guidance, the volunteers are trained to ensure that every filing is handled with accuracy and care, double-checked by IRS-certified experts. This means you can have peace of mind knowing that your taxes are in good hands!
No Appointment? No Problem!
One of the best parts about VITA is that no appointments are needed for tax preparation assistance! You can simply walk into one of the listed locations during operating hours and get the help you need. The volunteers are ready and waiting to assist anyone who meets the income criteria; it couldn’t be easier!
Where to Go?
Services will be available at several convenient locations across the Lakelands region. Here are some key spots where you can get your taxes done:
- United Way of the Lakelands, 929 Phoenix St., Greenwood
- Monday, Wednesday, Friday: Noon-6 p.m.
- Tuesday and Thursday: Noon-5 p.m.
- Saturday: 9 a.m.-noon
- Abbeville County Library, 1407 Main St., Abbeville
- Tuesday and Thursday: 3 p.m.-6 p.m.
- McCormick County Library, 201 Railroad Ave., McCormick
- Wednesday: 3 p.m.-6 p.m.
- Piedmont Technical College, 4391 Batesburg Highway, Saluda
- Monday: 4 p.m.-6 p.m.
If you meet the income criteria of earning $66,000 or less, you’re eligible for this extensive service! The VITA program begins on January 27 and runs until April 11, so mark your calendars!
Other Programs Available
Don’t forget about the AARP’s separate Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) program, which operates from February 4 to April 15, specifically for individuals aged 60 and over. Remember, appointments are required for the TCE program, so make sure to plan ahead!
Responding to Community Needs
VITA was created to help low-income households tackle the stress of tax time. By ensuring thorough and accurate preparation, the volunteers play a vital role in easing the burden faced by many, and they do so with a smile! The IRS recently extended the tax filing deadline for specific areas affected by hurricanes, allowing more people greater flexibility during this critical time.
Get the Information You Need
For more information about the VITA program and its locations, don’t hesitate to check out the United Way of the Lakelands website. This is an incredible opportunity to get your taxes sorted out at no cost, so take advantage of it!
Here’s to a smooth and hassle-free tax season ahead in Greenwood!
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Additional Resources
- Index Journal: United Way of the Lakelands Announces VITA Schedule
- LKLD Now: Free Tax Prep Helps Polk County Residents Claim Often Missed Benefits
- My Muskoka Now: Nominations Open for Lakelands B. Ingram Excellence Award
- Patch: Free Tax Prep Still Available in Hillsborough County
- LKLD Now: United Way & AARP Offer Free Income Tax Help
- Wikipedia: Taxation in the United States
- Google Search: Free Tax Preparation
- Google Scholar: VITA Program
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Income Tax
- Google News: Tax Assistance Programs
Author: HERE Greenwood
The HERE Greenwood Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Greenwood community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Greenwood Our team includes lifelong Greenwood residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent listing of the historic Grier Building, Greenwood’s railroad and textile heritage, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Piedmont Technical College programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Greenwood Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
