It’s all about the bottom line, and we have the numbers to prove it.  Since its inception in 2004, there’s no question that our VITA program has made significant progress in improving the economic self-sufficiency of Big Bend residents.

VITA has had an estimated $20.4 million economic impact in the Big Bend area -- $17.9 million in total refunds and $2.5 million in tax preparation fee savings in the last seven years.  Through the work of our VITA volunteers, all of these dollars stay with the individuals and families who need them the most.

Research shows that taxpayers who received refunds after using a VITA site used their refunds to pay off debt, invest in education or housing, or open a bank account. This is new money for the local economy.

Filing Season  # of Returns  Total EITC $   Total Refund $   Tax Prep Fee Savings  # of Sites

2011                      4,316         $1,251,133        $5,145,722                  $647,400                   18
2010                      3,761         $1,155,478        $4,456,394                  $564,150                   14
2009                      3,538         $940,984           $3,880,489                  $530,700                   17
2008                      3,865         $896,329           $2,975,257                  $579,750                   12
2007                       598           $248,096           $669,148                     $95,000                     6
2006                       564           $196,576           $534,761                     $84,600                     9
2005                       117           $56,839             $195,349                     $17,550                     4

TOTALS               16,759       $4,745,435      $17,857,120             $2,519,150