VITA's inaugural Las Cruces location marks milestone in southern New Mexico
The 2024 tax season brings with it financial empowerment for Southern New Mexico residents. For the first time, the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, led by the Coalition for Family Economic Progress (CFEP), is establishing its presence in Las Cruces. This marks a monumental step toward fostering financial well-being in our diverse and vibrant community.
As the Vice President of GECU Community Development, witnessing the expansion of the VITA program to Southern New Mexico is a momentous occasion. The commitment to serving the entire Borderland region has always been at the core of GECU's values, and the establishment of the Las Cruces site at New Mexico State University reflects our dedication to reaching every corner of the communities we serve.
For many residents in Southern New Mexico, navigating the complexities of tax season can be intimidating. The VITA program, with its Internal Revenue Service (IRS)-trained and certified volunteers, offers a lifeline of support, providing free-of-charge tax-preparation services to qualifying households in both English and Spanish. This initiative is more than just a service; it is a testament to the inclusivity that defines VITA, ensuring that financial empowerment is accessible to everyone, regardless of linguistic or economic barriers.
The inaugural Las Cruces location at New Mexico State University caters to the unique needs of the Southern New Mexico community. Residents can now access the expertise of VITA volunteers, receive assistance with tax preparation, and tap into a network of support that extends beyond the numbers on a tax form.
The importance of VITA’s presence in Las Cruces represents a powerful tool for economic empowerment in a region with its own set of challenges and opportunity, as well as the convenience of having a local site accessible to residents. The IRS-certified volunteers are not just number crunchers; they are community advocates, ready to assist in navigating the intricacies of the tax filing, ensuring that residents can claim the credits they deserve.
Financial empowerment is a cornerstone of community well-being, and VITA's expansion to Las Cruces signifies a commitment to bridging financial gaps in Southern New Mexico. The impact of this program not only saves qualifying households millions of dollars in tax-preparation fees, but it also brings financial resources back into the community, supports local businesses, and cultivates economic resilience.
One of the significant contributions of the VITA program is its facilitation of the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), a credit that has the potential to uplift families and individuals. Last year alone, VITA helped residents in the Borderland receive more than $6.3 million in Earned Income Tax credits. With the addition of the Las Cruces location, we will make an even greater impact ensuring that more individuals and families can receive their much-needed refunds. The program also brings with it an opportunity for students at NMSU to gain real-world experience, receive certifications and volunteer their time while actively contributing to the financial well-being of their community.
The Las Cruces location is more than a site; it is a symbol of a brighter financial future for residents in Southern New Mexico. I am honored to be a part of this transformative journey toward community well-being. No appointment is needed for VITA’s services.
Please visit freetaxeselpaso.org for updates, locations and a complete list of what to bring. Free tax filing is available for most people with less than $35,000 in expenses. Copies of Social Security cards, IDs, ITINs or previous tax returns will not be accepted.
Ruby Alvarez is Vice President of GECU Community Development.
This article originally appeared on Las Cruces Sun-News: VITA's inaugural Las Cruces location marks milestone in southern NM
