For the second year in a row, Arizona Federal’s Tucson branch is partnering with the United Way in a beneficial program to help low to middle income families across the Tucson community.

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program offers families free tax preparation and ensures they get the tax credits they deserve. The Tucson Branch first became involved with this worthwhile program during the 2006 tax season when the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Taskforce was looking for additional host sites. Community Services Coordinator Jake Wycoff is a member of the taskforce, and suggested that the Tucson Branch would be a great fit for VITA.

“The Tucson and Tucson Community branches help an underserved segment of the community. Saving low income individuals and families money on their tax preparation fees can help them become more self-sufficient,” Wycoff said.

From January 20 to April 15 of last year, volunteers from the Tucson Branch completed up to 10 tax returns per three-hour session each Saturday, and saved taxpayers about $20,000 per session.

Wycoff said Arizona Federal is truly making a difference by offering this valuable service. “Though our tax site has completed hundreds of returns, taxpayers are still surprised when they learn that this is a volunteer program that does not cost the taxpayer anything. Our volunteers give up their time to help people in our community, and I’m proud that Arizona Federal is the only financial institution in Tucson that’s partnering to provide this valuable service,” he said.

Wycoff believes an additional benefit of hosting a VITA site at the Tucson Branch is that it allows Arizona Federal to offer financial services to unbanked taxpayers.

He said it’s gratifying to know that Arizona Federal participates in initiatives like VITA. By participating in charitable programs like this, we’re making a valuable contribution to the community and standing behind our brand promise of service.

Arizona Federal is a locally-owned, locally-controlled, and locally-operated federally-chartered credit union managing $1.7 billion in member assets and serving over 217,000 member accounts.