Dane County Volunteers Save Residents $4.8M in Tax Refunds

Tax season usually means stress, confusion, and paying someone to figure out forms you don't understand. But in Dane County, Wisconsin, hundreds of trained volunteers are flipping that script by offering completely free tax help to anyone who needs it.

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA) is back this year after an impressive 2024 season. Last year alone, volunteers prepared more than 3,000 tax returns at no cost and helped residents claim $4.8 million in refunds they might have otherwise missed.

"For many people, tax season brings questions, uncertainty, and worry about making sure that they're getting things right," said Dane County Executive Melissa Agard. "For our families who are already stretching every single dollar that they have, the stakes feel especially high and the margins especially tight."

The program started with seniors and people with disabilities in mind, but it's open to anyone in the county. Volunteers like Ava Zyhowski receive extensive training on current tax laws so they can handle different situations confidently.

Zyhowski works at the Richard Dilley Tax Center and says one of the best parts is telling people about benefits they didn't know existed. Many renters have no idea they qualify for the homestead credit, which can take $300 or more off their state taxes with a simple rent certificate.

"Just being able to tell people that that's an opportunity that's available for them is exciting," Zyhowski said. "People didn't know that they were going to be able to get, say, like $300 off on their taxes."

The Ripple Effect

Beyond the immediate money saved, filing taxes correctly protects families from identity theft. When residents file early with help from trained volunteers, scammers can't file fraudulent returns in their names.

The program also keeps millions of dollars circulating in the local economy. That $4.8 million in refunds means groceries bought, rent paid, medical bills covered, and emergencies handled for thousands of Dane County families.

For volunteers, the work creates meaningful connections with neighbors who need support most. "You're helping out the people that are close to you," Zyhowski explained.

Each appointment takes about an hour, and sessions are available by appointment only throughout tax season. The county views the program as essential community support, not just a nice extra.

"This is a way that Dane County continues to show up, support its community, the people that call Dane County home, and ensure that they have the tools to protect themselves and their families," Agard said.

Getting taxes done right doesn't have to cost money or cause anxiety when neighbors are willing to help neighbors succeed.