TARRANT COUNTY, Texas (March 24, 2025) — With the April 15 tax deadline fast approaching, United Way of Tarrant County (UWTC) is helping families save money and get the most out of their tax refunds with VITAthon, a free tax preparation marathon. Hosted by UWTC’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, VITAthon will be held 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday, March 29, at two locations:
- Tarrant County College South Campus’ Family Empowerment Center, 5301 Campus Drive, Fort Worth
- Community Enrichment Center’s Community Room, 6250 NE Loop 820, North Richland Hills
IRS-certified VITA volunteers will help families and individuals with household incomes of $67,000 or less prepare and file their taxes at no cost. UWTC aims to complete 150 total tax returns during the VITAthon, with no appointments necessary during this event at these two locations.
Each year, VITA saves clients an average of $300 in tax preparation fees and ensures they receive qualifying benefits such as the Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit. Residents with low to moderate incomes may claim these credits, with eligibility varying based on income level, number of children and other criteria.
"Through VITAthon, we want to help as many Tarrant County residents as possible file their taxes easily and for free a couple weeks before the tax deadline,” said Damiya Pentecost, UWTC’s director of financial empowerment. “Our trained tax preparers, intake specialists and interpreters are committed to ensure our clients maximize their refunds or understand what they may owe.”
Since the VITA program’s inception in 2010, UWTC volunteers have filed more than 100,000 tax returns, and Tarrant County residents have secured over $173 million in total refunds. In 2024, VITA clients received an average refund of $1,700.
For information on what is needed to file a return through VITA, visit unitedwaytarrant.org/taxes.
About VITA
Over the past 15 years, UWTC’s VITA has saved Tarrant County residents over $22 million in tax preparation fees. Free tax preparation services are offered February through April annually at 12 VITA locations across Tarrant County. Appointments are available at most locations throughout the week and can be scheduled online at: bit.ly/BookVITA25
Tarrant County VITA program partners include Foundation Communities, Tarrant County College South Campus, Northside Inter-Community Agency, Inc., LVTRise, the City of Fort Worth, the City of Arlington, Great Commission Baptist Church, Opening Doors for Women in Need, the City of Forest Hill, Community Enrichment Center, Portfolio Resident Services, Inc. and Grapevine Relief and Community Exchange (GRACE).
Generous support for VITA comes from federal community project funding facilitated by U.S. Congressman Marc Veasey, as well as the Amon G. Carter Foundation, Wells Fargo Foundation, Bank of America Foundation, Charles Schwab & Co., PNC Bank Foundation, Capital One, Truist Foundation and the Holloway Family Foundation.
About United Way of Tarrant County
United Way of Tarrant County, a nonprofit leader in North Texas, mobilizes our community to action so all can thrive. We identify critical needs, foster collaboration and invest in solutions that drive change. Through our four impact areas—community health, financial stability, community resiliency and education and learning—our programs serve nearly 400,000 individuals annually. After celebrating our 100th anniversary in 2022, we remain committed to empowering Tarrant County residents for generations to come.
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