On April 15, KYCC’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program concluded its annual tax preparation service for thousands of inner-city families living throughout Los Angeles. This year, VITA completed over 8,100 free tax returns and earned almost $10 million in total refunds.

In addition, 189 volunteers contributed to this year’s effort by working over 2,000 hours; our VITA volunteers were essential in helping to make 2015 KYCC’s most successful tax season yet.

Through our collaboration with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), City of Los Angeles and our community nonprofit partners, we oversee all aspects of tax preparation at eight locations around the city.

“This year was truly special, not only because of the tremendous help we received from our volunteers, but also for the thousands of families who benefited from our program!” said Audrey Casillas, who has been the VITA Coordinator for the past eight years and a Senior Financial Case Manager at KYCC.

“I hope we can perpetuate this momentum for next year’s tax season and reach out even more to families who can benefit immensely from our help.”

Next year, Casillas intends to increase VITA’s marketing to the community, to ensure that “no low-income family is left behind.” VITA’s free tax preparation services are available for those making up to $53,000 who have simple tax needs.

KYCC is the lead organization for the Los Angeles Tax Collective. Since its inception in 2006, our VITA program has been one of the leaders in providing free tax preparation services for the Los Angeles community, serving nearly 30,000 low-income families throughout central Los Angeles, and returning more than $27.5 million in refunds back to our community.