Financial Wellness Month: 6 Benefits with Using Broward Tax Pro — a Free Service!

This Program Ensures Cost Savings, Filing Accuracy, Financial Education, and Community Impact

Financial Wellness Month, celebrated in January, encourages individuals to understand their finances and take control of their financial health. It emphasizes the benefits of having financial literacy, reducing stress related to money management, and improving one’s overall quality of life.

One pillar of United Way of Broward County’s mission is empowering people to earn, keep and grow their assets by providing them with valuable skills and tools. By improving financial prosperity and overall well-being, our goal is to ensure everyone in our community can have the opportunity to thrive.

United Way has been a steadfast supporter of the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program (aka Broward Tax Pro), which provides free tax services to:

  • low-to-moderate-income households
  • people with disabilities
  • seniors
  • people with limited proficiency in English

United Way partners with Broward Tax Pro to provide free tax-preparation services to individuals and families with an annual household income of $75,000 or less. By working together, United Way and Broward Tax Pro offers helpful, cost-free support to individuals who might struggle to navigate the complexities related to tax filing.

These tax services are available in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, Haitian Creole, Portuguese, as well as multiple locations with flexible hours. Broward Tax Pro also offers American sign-language interpreter services at the Center for Independent Living of Broward by appointment only.

Since 2003, the VITA program in Broward County has had a significant financial impact on our community, particularly people in ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) households.

Highlights of VITA’s impact in Broward includes:

  • bringing back nearly $73 million to our community
  • filling nearly 55,000 tax returns
  • delivering $60 million in refunds
  • saving over $13 million in tax-preparation fees
  • helping taxpayers claim over $25 million in Earned Income Tax Credits and Child Tax Credits

In addition to supporting people with free tax-preparation services, Broward Tax Pro focuses on improving financial education and literacy. With dozens of funders and partners, including United Way of Broward County, it offers resources and information to help taxpayers understand how to manage their finances better and plan for the future.

The benefits of using Broward Tax Pro are undeniable, and here are 6 key rewards it is delivering to people and our entire community:

  • Cost savings — One of the more significant benefits of the VITA program is the cost savings it provides. Taxpayers who might otherwise spend hundreds of dollars on professional tax-preparation services can access these services for free through VITA.
  • Accuracy and compliance — VITA’s experts/volunteers undergo rigorous training to ensure they are well-versed in tax laws and regulations. The accuracy of returns prepared by VITA’s experts/volunteers reduces the risk of errors, and therefore penalties or audits.
  • Financial education and literacyMany sites with Broward Tax Pro offer more than just tax-preparation services; they provide valuable financial education and literacy resources. For example, VITA’s experts/volunteers may offer guidance on budgeting, saving for emergencies, and understanding credit.
  • Access to additional tax credits — VITA’s experts/volunteers are trained to identify and claim all the credits and deductions for which taxpayers are eligible— such as includes the Earned Income Tax Credit, the Child Tax Credit, and education credits. These credits can significantly increase a taxpayer’s refund or reduce the amount of tax owed.
  • Support for a variety of people — VITA’s experts/volunteers speak multiple languages, and its multiple locations have people who can provide services in a taxpayer’s preferred language. Additionally, VITA sites often are located in convenient locations, such as libraries, schools, and community centers.
  • Peace of mind —Navigating the tax-filing process can be stressful and overwhelming, especially for people unfamiliar with tax laws. Working with knowledgeable and trained volunteers who are handling their tax returns can alleviate this stress, and taxpayers can be confident their returns are accurate and compliant.

United Way’s connection to and support for the VITA program is a testament to our commitment to improving financial security for every person living in Broward County. By partnering with Broward Tax Pro, we are helping taxpayers receive the essential assistance they need to navigate the tax-filing process.

Find a location for Broward Tax Pro by clicking here — and getting started with Broward Tax Pro is a great way to get active with Financial Wellness Month!