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SANDY SPRINGS, GA – The Community Assistance Center (CAC) is excited to announce the start of its Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program for the 2025 tax season, beginning February 1. This free service offers tax preparation assistance to households in the Atlanta area with an annual income of less than $67,000. The program also serves persons with disabilities and limited English-speaking taxpayers.
In 2024, the VITA program at CAC processed 520 tax returns for 480 individuals, bringing nearly $750,000 in refunds back into the local economy. It also saved the community approximately $189,000 in tax filing fees compared to professional services, thanks to the efforts of 43 dedicated volunteers who contributed more than 1,800 hours of their time.
CAC is proud to be a Certifying Acceptance Agency (CAA), a designation that allows the organization to verify foreign identification documents for taxpayers that require an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to file a tax return. This enables foreign nationals to retain their passports and still submit U.S. tax returns. CAC is now able to directly assist individuals who do not qualify for a Social Security number to apply for or renew their ITIN to meet tax filing requirements.
Trends Observed in 2024 Tax Season
Last year, CAC’s VITA program highlighted emerging trends in the community:
- Gig Economy Growth: More individuals reported income from platforms like Uber, Lyft, and other gig economy jobs, requiring assistance in navigating tax forms unique to independent contractors.
- Working Families in Need: Families with dual incomes still turned to the VITA program for help, reflecting the rising cost of living and financial challenges for households at various income levels.
- Elderly Returning to Work: A noticeable increase in elderly individuals reporting part-time or freelance income as they re-entered the workforce to supplement retirement or social security benefits.
- Complicated Tax Returns: Difficult cases including individuals with almost a decades’ worth of unfiled tax returns, or individuals with royalty payments present a unique challenge and reflect the complexity of staying in good standing with the IRS.
Daniel Weiss, CAC's volunteer VITA Coordinator, shared the program's importance in addressing these trends: "The VITA program has a profound impact on our community by providing essential tax preparation services to those who might otherwise be unable to afford them. By ensuring accurate and timely tax filings, we help individuals and families receive the refunds and credits they are entitled to, which in turn supports the local economy."
Volunteer Opportunity to Make a Difference
CAC is seeking volunteers to assist with the 2025 VITA program. Volunteers are needed to give a few hours each week February through May to help prepare tax returns or support the program in other roles. No prior experience is required, and training is provided.
Ongoing VITA volunteer Amy Hayes shared her experience: "Volunteering with VITA was incredibly rewarding. I loved meeting members of the community and knowing that I was helping people in a real and tangible way. The training was thorough, and the staff made sure we had the support we needed to succeed."
Volunteers interested in joining the program can learn more and sign up by contacting the VITA program team directly at vita@ourcac.org.
Schedule an Appointment or Join the Team
Eligible individuals can schedule an appointment by emailing vita@ourcac.org or calling the CAC helpline at (770) 552-4015. Appointments are required, and participants should prepare necessary documentation, including government-issued photo identification, Social Security or Individual Taxpayer Identification cards or letters, income documents, any additional tax forms, and a copy of last year's tax return. Appointments start on February 1.
About the VITA Program
The VITA program is an IRS initiative, in partnership with the United Way of Greater Atlanta, that assists moderate- and lower-income earners with accurate and timely tax filings. CAC is proud to be one of the VITA sites in metro Atlanta, making a meaningful impact on the financial well-being of its neighbors.
For more information about volunteering, eligibility, or the program itself, please visit www.ourcac.org/vita.
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