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 – in various 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. 

VITA tax preparers can prepare returns with credits including the Additional Child Tax Credit, Child and Dependent Care, Education Credits, and Retirement Saver’s Credit. Certain forms cannot be completed by VITA tax preparers; interested residents are encouraged to ask whether the service they are seeking is available – as well as which forms and information are required – when making their appointment.

“Tax season can be very stressful for community members, many of whom may not fully understand the tax code or have sufficient access to supportive resources and technology; the IRS VITA program helps to remove barriers to filing taxes as well as maximizes tax credits and refunds for many community members,” said Donn Githens, President and CEO of Goodwill Manasota. “We’re thrilled to partner with United Way Suncoast to provide comfortable locations as well as information, resources and expert assistance to help residents file their taxes, easily and conveniently.”

To make an appointment, call 833-897-8482 or click HERE. For more about Goodwill Manasota’s programs and services, and store locations, visit experiencegoodwill.org.

About Goodwill Manasota

Goodwill Manasota is an industry-leading 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that changes lives through the power of work. With philanthropic donations and revenue generated by the sales of donated goods, Goodwill assists people with disabilities, veterans, seniors, and those with other barriers to employment by providing jobs, job skills training, and free career services. In 2024, Goodwill served over 7,000 individuals, placed 1,563 in jobs, assisted 463 veterans, collected over 234,600 pounds of food for area food banks, and diverted 98.4 million pounds from landfills. For more information or for a listing of locations, visit experiencegoodwill.org or call 941-355-2721.

About United Way Suncoast

Founded in 1924, we enter our second century of service with a decided focus on mobilizing the community to action so all can thrive. We elevate early learning, energize middle school and high school youths and empower community members through financial stability. We proudly serve Hillsborough, Pinellas, Manatee, Sarasota and DeSoto counties by investing in services and programs that help people create the lives they imagine for themselves. Along the way, we lead, convene and collaborate with corporate supporters, individual donors, nonprofit partners and valued volunteers because we know – United We Rise, United We Win. Visit unitedwaysuncoast.org.