Goodwill Manasota and United Way Suncoast have collaborated for years to provide free tax preparation services to low- to moderate-income households. However, the partners have been able to extend this service: as of June 26, free tax preparation services are now available year-round at Goodwill’s Mecca location (5150 N. Tamiami Tr., Sarasota).

Organizers anticipated high demand for the service during this period, especially with the 2024 tax deadline extended to October 15. That expectation was confirmed by strong community participation from June 26 through mid-August, when all available tax prep slots were filled.

The partners offer this service through the Internal Revenue Service’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, which provides free and accurate tax preparation services to low- to moderate-income taxpayers (with annual earnings below $79,000). VITA has been instrumental in helping ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) households receive thousands of dollars in additional refunds.   

In just the first six months of 2025, through the VITA program at two Goodwill locations (Sarasota and Bradenton), the local economic impact has been impressive: 614 community members received free tax assistance, saving nearly $145,000 in preparation fees.

VITA utilizes certified volunteers to provide these services at a variety of public locations such as libraries, schools, and neighborhood centers – and Goodwill locations – in various high-need areas. The VITA program is an IRS initiative designed to support free tax preparation services for the underserved through various partner organizations, helping low-to-moderate income individuals, persons with disabilities, the elderly, and limited English speakers file their taxes each year. 

VITA tax preparers can prepare returns with credits, including the Additional Child Tax Credit, Child and Dependent Care, Education Credits, and Retirement Saver’s Credit. Certain forms cannot be completed by VITA tax preparers; interested residents are encouraged to ask whether the service they are seeking is available – as well as which forms and information are required – when making their appointment.

"The VITA program often delivers tax dollars that can be pivotal in helping community members manage household members," said United Way Suncoast CEO Jessica Muroff. "In addition, we work to inform filers about the complementary financial security services we offer. Combined, these initiatives often give people what we like to call the 'Freedom to Rise,' the ability to create the life they imagine for themselves. Of course, the success stories generated by VITA wouldn't be possible without our volunteers. That's why we're diligently working to recruit more volunteers for the program."

“There are many community members who may not fully understand the tax code or have sufficient access to supportive resources and technology; the IRS VITA program helps to remove barriers to filing taxes as well as maximizes tax credits and refunds for many community members,” added Donn Githens, President and CEO of Goodwill Manasota. “We’re thrilled to expand our partnership with United Way Suncoast to provide comfortable locations as well as information, resources and expert assistance to help residents file their taxes, easily and conveniently – and now all year long!”

The service is by appointment only – call 941-748-1313; visit uwsvita.org for more information, such as eligibility to participate and the required forms.

For more about Goodwill Manasota’s programs and services, visit experiencegoodwill.org.

About Goodwill Manasota
Goodwill Manasota is an industry-leading 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that changes lives through the power of work. With philanthropic donations and revenue generated by the sales of donated goods, Goodwill assists people with disabilities, veterans, seniors, and those with other barriers to employment by providing jobs, job skills training, and free career services. In 2024, Goodwill served over 7,000 individuals, placed 1,563 in jobs, assisted 463 veterans, collected over 234,600 pounds of food for area food banks, and diverted 98.4 million pounds from landfills. For more information or for a listing of locations, visit experiencegoodwill.org or call 941-355-2721.

About United Way Suncoast
Founded in 1924, we enter our second century of service with a decided focus on mobilizing the community to action so all can thrive. We elevate early learning, energize middle school and high school youths and empower community members through financial stability. We proudly serve Hillsborough, Pinellas, Manatee, Sarasota and DeSoto counties by investing in services and programs that help people create the lives they imagine for themselves. Along the way, we lead, convene and collaborate with corporate supporters, individual donors, nonprofit partners and valued volunteers because we know – United We Rise, United We Win. Visit unitedwaysuncoast.org.