School Newsletter: Free Tax Help Available at Our School

Free tax preparation is one of the most tangible financial benefits a school can connect families with. Many families who qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit and other refundable credits never claim them because they cannot afford professional tax preparation. A VITA announcement through the school newsletter can put hundreds or even thousands of dollars back into school families' pockets at tax time.

Why This Service Matters for School Families

The Earned Income Tax Credit is the largest anti-poverty program for working families in the United States. Families with two children and moderate income can receive a credit of more than $6,000. But claiming it requires a tax return, and many families who qualify do not file because they cannot afford a tax preparer and do not know about free alternatives. A school newsletter that reaches those families and points them to free IRS-certified help is doing something genuinely important for family financial stability, which directly affects student wellbeing.

Who Qualifies and How to Find Out

Include the current income threshold for VITA eligibility in the newsletter, and direct families to IRS.gov or your local VITA site coordinator for the most current information. Do not make families guess whether they qualify. A clear statement like "families with household income of $67,000 or less are eligible for free tax preparation through this program" tells most families immediately whether to read further.

How the VITA Appointment Works

Describe the appointment process clearly. Is it walk-in or by appointment? How long does it take? Where is the site (at school or at a nearby community location)? What do families get at the end: a completed return, e-filing, and direct deposit setup? Many families have never used VITA and do not know what to expect. A sentence or two about what happens at the appointment demystifies the process and reduces the hesitation that comes with unfamiliar services.

Sample Template Excerpt

Here is a newsletter you can adapt:

"Free tax preparation is available to all Northside Elementary families this tax season. Trained, IRS-certified VITA volunteers will prepare federal and state tax returns at no cost for families with household income of $67,000 or less. The VITA site at our school will be open on Saturdays from February 8th through April 12th, 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM, in the school library. Appointments are recommended and can be scheduled by calling [number]. To prepare, bring: photo ID for all adults, Social Security cards for all family members, all W-2 and 1099 forms, and your bank account information for direct deposit. Last year's return is helpful but not required. This service is free, confidential, and staffed by certified volunteers. Families who qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit may receive a significant refund."

Document Checklist in the Newsletter

A bulleted document checklist is one of the most useful things you can include. Families who arrive at a VITA appointment without a needed document have to come back, which reduces completion rates. Putting the checklist in the newsletter gives families a week or more to gather everything before the appointment. This small logistical detail directly improves the number of returns that actually get filed.

Languages and Accessibility

Find out which languages your local VITA site can serve and include that information. If the site has Spanish-speaking preparers, say so. If interpretation can be arranged for other languages with advance notice, include that. Tax preparation is one of those situations where a language barrier creates a real, measurable financial cost for families. Knowing interpretation is available can be the deciding factor for a multilingual family.

Timing and Repeat Announcements

Send the VITA announcement in late January when the tax season is starting. Send a reminder in late February for families who missed the first announcement. A final reminder in late March, noting that the April 15th deadline is approaching, catches the procrastinators. Three communications over the tax season ensure maximum reach to the families who stand to benefit most.