Florida Tax Volunteers Saved Families $2.7M Last Year

Last tax season, 234 volunteers in Southwest Florida gave their time to help neighbors get every dollar they deserved, and the results were staggering.

Through United Way's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program, these everyday heroes prepared more than 9,000 tax returns completely free for families earning under $100,000. Their work brought $11 million in federal refunds back to local households and saved taxpayers an estimated $2.7 million in preparation fees.

Now the program is seeking new volunteers for the 2027 filing season. No tax expertise required – just a willingness to help and a few hours to spare.

VITA welcomes everyone from retired professionals to college students. Volunteers receive free training starting in November and can choose flexible hours between January and April at more than 25 locations across Lee, Hendry, and Glades counties.

Tristan Weeks, a recent Florida Gulf Coast University graduate, discovered the program transformed his life. "Volunteering with VITA has given me the opportunity to get real-world experience while making an impact on my community," he said.

The Ripple Effect

When families avoid costly tax preparation fees, that money stays in their budgets for groceries, rent, and emergencies. When they receive their full refunds without deductions, local businesses benefit from increased spending power.

The impact extends beyond individual tax returns. Volunteers gain valuable financial skills while seniors and hardworking families get personalized help navigating an often confusing system.

Since 1957, United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades has distributed more than $272 million locally, supporting youth programs, family services, and assistance for elderly residents and veterans. The VITA program represents one more way the organization strengthens the economic foundation of Southwest Florida communities.

Interested volunteers can register at UnitedWayLee.org/VITA-Volunteer or email VITA@UnitedWayLee.org. A few hours of your time could mean hundreds of extra dollars in a neighbor's pocket.