United Way Suncoast, Goodwill Manasota Partner on Free Tax Preparation
Collaboration – through the IRS VITA program – helps community members who earn less than $79,000 to file taxes for free as well as to maximize tax credits and refunds
Bradenton Sarasota, F L – Goodwill Manasota continues to partner with United Way Suncoast to provide free tax preparation services to low- to moderate-income households. This tax season, volunteers are assisting community members with free tax preparation at Goodwill’s Mecca location (5150 N. Tamiami Tr., Sarasota) on Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and its Corporate Campus location (2705 51st Ave. E., Bradenton) on Thursdays from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.
A new wrinkle this year is free remote tax filing, whereby community members can file their taxes from home with help from certified VITA volunteers. This service is available through the platforms MyFreeTaxes and TaxSlayer.
The partners offer this service through the Internal Revenue Service’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, which provides free and accurate tax preparation services to low- to moderate-income taxpayers (with annual earnings below $79,000). VITA has been instrumental in helping ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) households receive thousands of dollars in additional refunds.
In 2024, United Way Suncoast and its partners – such as Goodwill Manasota – brought back $11.5 million in refunds, tax credits, and savings on preparation fees to the region. Through the United Way-Goodwill partnership, more than 630 community members received free tax assistance resulting in refunds of nearly $670,000, earned Income credits of nearly $189,000, and Child Tax credits of over $68,000. The median annual gross income was $54,168 for these families.
“We’re on a mission to deliver free tax preparation services to more community members because we know those dollars can stabilize the challenges delivered by our uncertain economy,” said United Way Suncoast CEO Jessica Muroff. “Everything we do in the community is in partnership with terrific organizations like Goodwill Manasota, and we’re thrilled to have its support.”
VITA utilizes certified volunteers to provide these services at a variety of public locations such as libraries, schools, and neighborhood centers – such as Goodwill locations – invarious high-need areas. The VITA program is an IRS initiative designed to support free tax preparation service for the underserved through various partner organizations, helping low-to moderate income individuals, persons with disabilities, the elderly, and limited English speakers file their taxes each year.
To make an appointment, call 833-8978482. For more about Goodwill Manasota’s programs and services, and store locations, visit experiencegoodwill.org.
