Georgia United Foundation VITA Program Prepares 3,043 Tax Returns for Free!
June 16, 2020
We are Georgia United Credit Union. It is our proud honor to make an impact in the lives of our members, team members and the communities we serve. Every day and in every way. Together, we are stronger and YOUnited.
Duluth, GA (June 11, 2020) – Each year, Georgia United Foundation and Georgia United Credit Union offers local communities free Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) through support from longstanding partners Dalton State College and the University of Georgia (UGA).
The VITA program provides free tax preparation assistance to individuals and families with low to moderate income, those with disabilities and the elderly. Dalton State and UGA students are certified by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) as tax preparers and earn academic credit for their participation in the VITA program. As part of the partnership,
Georgia United Credit Union provides office space, giving the local community opportunities to have their taxes prepared and filed at no charge.
The Foundation’s VITA program, now in its fifteenth year, faced unforeseen challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with University System colleges closing for the year in mid-March. This, along with the credit union’s concern for the community and their team members’ wellbeing, resulted in the decision to end this year’s program earlier than planned.
Despite the challenges, the Foundation’s program concluded with student volunteers preparing 3,043 tax returns for residents, resulting in$464,161 in State and $2,259,424 in Federal tax refunds.A total of 148 students and alumni provided 300 hours of service to assist their community.
“VITA is an important program that positively impacts the financial stability of our communities and helps
hard working individuals and families obtain access to tax preparation services,” said Kim Wall, director of business and community development at Georgia United. “We are proud to give back to our community and offer the UGA and Dalton State students an opportunity to gain hands-on experience.”
Photo: University of Georgia, College of Family and Consumer Sciences Professor, Dr. Lance Palmer, led a team of 120 students to provide free tax preparation services to the Athens community through Georgia United Foundation’s 2020 VITA program held at Georgia United Credit Union.
About Georgia United Credit Union
Georgia United Credit Union is an award-winning financial leader and partner in education. Headquartered in Duluth, Georgia United is ranked as one of the state’s largest credit unions with $1.5 billion in assets, 168,000 members and 19 branch locations. As a full-service financial institution, they offer competitive products and services for every stage of life. Visit gucu.org to learn more and follow the credit union onFacebook,Twitter andInstagram.
About Georgia United Foundation
Georgia United Foundation is committed to improving the quality of life for children and families in the communities they serve through impactful programs funded and delivered through volunteerism by way of corporate contributions, team members and community efforts. The Foundation is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) charitable organization and is the philanthropic arm of Georgia United Credit Union. For details on volunteering, participating or donating, visitgucufoundation.org.