United Way of Racine County's VITA Program Expanding to Public Library

October 21, 2019 — United Way of Racine County is proud to announce a new partnership with the Racine Public Library and the City of Racine that will bring the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program to the library. 

Racine County residents with low to moderate income levels will now be able to go to the library to receive free tax help and ensure that their Earned Income Tax Credits don’t go unclaimed.

“The library has always been a trusted place for residents to get their tax forms,” said Racine Public Library Executive Director Jessica MacPhail. “And we’re excited that they’ll now be able to get free and qualified help to actually prepare and file those tax returns.”

The library will join Knapp Elementary, Workforce Solutions, Julian Thomas Elementary, Case High School and Gateway Technical College as a VITA site – expanding the reach of VITA to six locations throughout Racine.

“This is a great example of how collaboration helps us accomplish great things for Racine’s residents,” said City of Racine Mayor Cory Mason. “We look forward to promoting the library as one of the VITA sites, and we greatly appreciate United Way’s creative partnership to expand this effective program to more city residents.”

Though the library typically charges for parking, the city also confirmed that parking at the library will be free on Thursdays and Fridays, when the VITA site will be at the library.

Last year, VITA volunteers helped return more than $1.125 million to Racine County taxpayers. Rather than going unclaimed, this money will help support the financial stability of Racine County. Residents can use the returns to help pay for groceries, rent, utilities and other basic needs.

This impressive return was made possible by approximately 50 volunteers, and United Way of Racine County is seeking more volunteers for the 2020 tax season. United Way relies on the help of volunteers to continue seeing great results through VITA. No prior experience is required and training will be provided. The volunteer schedule is flexible, including weekdays, weekends and evenings, with only a commitment of one two- to four-hour shift per week during the tax season (January through April 2020). Volunteers can work as tax preparers, greeters and Spanish/English interpreters.

To learn more or apply, visit UnitedWayRacine.org/vita-volunteer. The volunteer application deadline is Dec. 1 and tax season officially begins in January.