News
Glens Falls, NY – June 8, 2026 – Tri-County United Way’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program delivered significant financial benefits to residents throughout Warren, Washington, and Northern Saratoga Counties during the 2026 tax filing season, returning the largest amount to date to our service area more than $3.8 million in federal and state refunds to local households while saving taxpayers over $859,000 in tax preparation fees.
Between January 5 and April 13, a dedicated team of 33 tax preparers and 13 appointment takers scheduled 2,632 appointments and prepared more than 2,200 tax returns for qualifying individuals and families throughout the region.
Now entering its 23rd year, the VITA program remains one of Tri-County United Way’s most impactful financial stability initiatives, providing free tax preparation services to individuals and families earning $69,000 or less annually.
Strong Economic Impact Across the Region
The 2026 filing season continued a trend of growth and impact for the program. 2026 Impact & Results Throughout 3 Counties:
- 46 IRS-certified volunteers served local taxpayers
- More than 2,200 tax returns prepared
- More than $3.8 million returned in federal and state refunds
- More than $859,000 saved in tax preparation fees
For many residents, the program has become a trusted annual resource.
“I use VITA because it’s quick, easy, and the tax preparers are very thorough,” shared one longtime client. “They’ve never had any issues, and I’ve been returning for over 10 years.”
Another client added, “We have been coming to VITA for years to have our taxes done, and it’s always a positive experience. The volunteers are very friendly and knowledgeable. They always make sure we get the maximum refund available.”
Volunteers Recognized for Outstanding Service
The success of the VITA program is driven by dedicated volunteers who complete extensive IRS training and certification each year to ensure accuracy, confidentiality and compliance with federal tax regulations.
In recent years, Tri-County United Way volunteers have earned national recognition from the IRS for their commitment and leadership, including:
- 2026: 50 Years of VITA Service Award – Phil Cote
- 2026: Outstanding Effort, Dedication and Contribution Award – Joan Prouty
- 2025: Champion of Training Award
- 2024: Hall of Fame Team Award
Since the program began, more than 230 volunteers have served communities throughout the region, helping thousands of households avoid costly preparation fees while ensuring they receive every eligible refund and tax credit.
More Than Tax Preparation
While VITA’s primary purpose is tax preparation, its impact often extends beyond filing a return.
Each tax season, volunteers connect residents with information about healthcare access, community services, financial resources, and Tri-County United Way programs. What begins as a tax appointment frequently becomes an opportunity to connect individuals and families with additional support that can improve their long-term financial well-being.
To meet growing demand, Tri-County United Way offers services through both traditional VITA locations and mobile teams that travel throughout the region. While the program primarily serves Warren, Washington and Northern Saratoga Counties, residents from neighboring communities, including Vermont, regularly travel to access services.
Although VITA cannot prepare returns involving rental income, farm income, stock sales, self-employment income, or active military pay, the program remains an essential resource for thousands of households with straightforward tax returns.
For more than two decades, Tri-County United Way’s VITA program has transformed tax season into an opportunity to build financial stability, strengthen families and invest millions of dollars back into the local economy.
About Tri-County United Way
Since 1923, Tri-County United Way has been dedicated to enhancing the collective ability of individuals to support one another by harnessing the compassion of our community to address the most pressing unmet human needs in our counties. We advance the common good by creating opportunities for all. Through Tri-County United Way, community partner agencies tackle tough challenges and work with private, public, and non-profit partners to boost: education, financial stability, and health.
For more information, please contact:
Laura Jensen
Director of Community Engagement and Communications
Tri-County United Way
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 518-793-3136