News
The Tri-County United Way’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program continues to make a lasting difference in the lives of local families earning national accolades while providing millions of dollars in economic relief to the region.
Now in its 22nd year, the VITA program was nationally recognized with the IRS “Hall of Fame” Award, celebrating its long-standing commitment to serving low- to moderate-income families across Warren, Washington, and Northern Saratoga Counties. In 2025, it received another prestigious honor, the IRS “Champion of Training” Award, for its excellence in preparing volunteers through a comprehensive and adaptable training model.
In partnership with Tri-County United Way, the VITA coalition operates across 11 sites, training and equipping local residents to provide free tax preparation services. This year, 49 volunteers, including 9 newly certified team members, completed a rigorous, multi-week training program offered in three flexible formats (daytime, evening, and weekend) to suit a variety of schedules.
Volunteers began training in December, covering IRS guidelines and tax law essentials, and were required to pass certification exams before assisting clients. Of the 49 certified individuals, 35 served as tax preparers, while 14 supported operations by scheduling appointments and assisting clients by phone.
Between January 25 and April 12, the VITA team contributed 3,566 volunteer hours valued at $127,342 and delivered 846 hours of free tax assistance. Services were offered at five traditional VITA sites and through two mobile teams, ensuring accessibility across all three counties.
The results speak for themselves: 2,133 tax returns completed, $3.2 million in federal and state refunds issued, and $746,550 saved in tax preparation fees totaling a $4.08 million economic impact across the Tri-County region.
“VITA is more than just tax prep, it’s empowerment,” said Joan Prouty, VITA Outreach Coordinator at Tri-County United Way. “Many of our clients walk in feeling overwhelmed, and they leave not only with their taxes done, but with peace of mind and sometimes life-changing refunds. That’s the true power of this program and it’s why our volunteers keep coming back year after year.”
Preparing for an Even Stronger 2026
Tri-County United Way is already focused on growing the program’s reach and capacity for 2026. Plans are underway to train additional volunteers, expand service sites, and provide even more families with access to vital tax assistance.
Recent changes to tax laws have also introduced several updates that may affect families this year. Our trained volunteers are here to help you navigate these changes, especially when it comes to understanding tax credits and determining which types of income are taxable or not. Our volunteers are committed to helping families clearly understand tax changes & what needs to be reported and what doesn’t.
Join the VITA Team: No Experience Necessary
Each year, the success of VITA depends on a dedicated network of local volunteers from all walks of life: retirees, students, professionals, and first-time volunteers alike. No prior accounting experience is required. All volunteers receive thorough IRS-sponsored training through classroom sessions and self-paced materials, and all are certified before tax season begins.
“The VITA program is more than just a free tax service, it’s a powerful community resource,” said Laura Jensen, Director of Community Engagement & Communications at Tri-County United Way. “Our volunteers not only help individuals and families file accurate returns, but they also ensure our neighbors receive the credits and refunds they’ve earned.”
Whether preparing taxes, scheduling appointments, or greeting clients, every volunteer plays a vital role in supporting neighbors and strengthening the community.
Interested in joining the VITA team for the upcoming season? Contact Laura Jensen at [email protected] or (518) 793-3136, or visitwww.tricountyunitedway.org/volunteer-income-tax-assistance.