AmeriCorps Helps Return Over $83 Million to Communities Through Tax Assistance
11 Julio 2024 - 2:23PM
AmeriCorps, the federal agency for volunteerism and national
service, assisted nearly 125,000 low-income Americans with tax
preparation, returning more than $83 million to eligible families.
AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP and AmeriCorps NCCC programs activated
volunteers and members to assist families through what can be a
difficult process, ensuring individuals received all benefits for
which they were eligible.
“We are incredibly proud
of the dedication and impact our AmeriCorps members and volunteers
have shown in providing essential tax preparation services to
underserved individuals and communities,” said Michael D. Smith,
CEO, AmeriCorps. “Their efforts not only ease the financial
burdens of thousands of individuals working hard to make ends meet
but also strengthen the economic resilience of entire
communities.”
AmeriCorps NCCC members
worked on 16 tax projects across the county to complete more than
18,000 tax returns.
This year, an AmeriCorps
NCCC team worked with Tygart Valley United Way in Fairmont,
West Virginia. The team helped the VITA (Volunteer Income Tax
Assistance) site offer in-person appointments, which increased the
number of families served by 230 percent during their time there.
US Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) sent certificates of appreciation to
each team member for their service.
Another AmeriCorps NCCC
team made a noticeable contribution in Monroe, La., working with
the United Way of Northeast Louisiana. AmeriCorps member
Bing Pfaltzgraff-Carlson processed a return valued at $10,000 for a
single mother whose three children all live with
disabilities.
“I was extremely excited
when I saw it was $10,000,” Pfaltzgraff-Carlson said.
“You hear about how even a little bit of money back can help
someone, and here is someone getting 10 grand. I think people
should keep in mind that you may not have to go to a big company to
get your taxes done, especially people who need it the
most.”
AmeriCorps NCCC empowers
young adults to positively impact communities while gaining
leadership skills. This year, AmeriCorps members serving with NCCC
helped return nearly $23 million to local communities through tax
returns. Ten teams across all four NCCC regions activated 88
members to assist families.
"Through the dedication
of our members, we empower American families to secure the fullest
tax benefits they're entitled to," said Ken Goodson, Director of
AmeriCorps NCCC. "Our commitment lies in bolstering Volunteer
Income Tax Assistance programs, ensuring that every dollar possible
flows back into the pockets of those we serve."
In addition,
AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers, national service participants
age 55+, provided communities across the county with crucial tax
assistance, serving 81 percent of those receiving free services
from national service participants
This year more than 1,770
AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers supported more than 101,000 people
across America with their tax returns and with building their
financial literacy. These volunteers returned more than $60
million in total to
individuals through returns. On average, each
AmeriCorps Senior volunteer assisted 57 individuals and generated
nearly $34,000 in tax returns for their fellow Americans.
"In the heart of the 2024
tax season, over 101,000 Americans in need were assisted by the
unwavering dedication of AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers,” said
Atalaya Sergi, director, AmeriCorps Seniors. Across the
nation, RSVP programs harnessed the profound skills and commitment
of these volunteers, ensuring families, individuals, veterans, and
military families not only understood, but received every benefit
entitled to them. This demonstrates the significant impact of
AmeriCorps Seniors in providing financial relief to those who need
it."
Learn more about service
and volunteering in your community at AmeriCorps.gov/NCCC or
AmeriCorps.gov/Seniors.
National Service Press Office
AmeriCorps
(202) 766-2848
pressoffice@cns.gov