United Way of South Central Tennessee announces the opening of the VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) program for the upcoming tax season, January 31st – April 11th, 2026.
According to the IRS, the EITC “helps low- to moderate-income workers and families get a tax break. If you qualify, you can use the credit to reduce the taxes you owe – and maybe increase your refund.” The EITC is a benefit for working people with at least one dependent and can mean more resources for essential needs such as reliable transportation, housing, and food. The EITC is the third largest government benefit program behind Social Security and Medicare.
The United Way VITA program is an IRS-supported tax preparation service, through which trained volunteers prepare taxes at no cost for qualifying individuals and families. The VITA program, along with My Free Taxes, connects community members with eligible credits such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC).
The ribbon cutting for the 2026 VITA season is on Friday, January 30th, 2026, at 11 AM located at the Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce – 3050 Medical Center Parkway in Murfreesboro. Guests will hear more about the economic impact of United Way’s financial stability initiatives in our community and learn about EITC and free tax preparation through VITA. You can find more information about the ribbon cutting on the Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce website.
During United Way’s 2025 Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, more than 2,300 tax returns were completed with a total economic impact of over $3.2 million in Bedford, Cannon, Coffee, Lincoln, Moore, Rutherford and Warren counties.
This year in-person appointments will be available in Fayetteville, McMinnville, Murfreesboro, Shelbyville, Smyrna, Tullahoma, and Woodbury.
Individuals can currently sign up for VITA appointments online. For more information and to register, visit yourlocaluw.org/vita.