Imagine facing financial hardship so severe that providing basic necessities for your children becomes a daily struggle. This was Eden's reality until the Child Tax Credit (CTC) and Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) services opened a new chapter for her family. After years of not filing taxes and missing out on crucial benefits, Eden turned to her local Southeastern Regional Development Agency (SERDA) (formerly known as Southeastern Utah Association of Local Governments) for help. The result? "After getting my taxes done for free, which was a blessing, I was able to provide for my household," Eden shares. The CTC and EITC not only helped her secure an apartment but also allowed her to buy much-needed clothes and school supplies for her children.
Last year, CAP Utah’s member agencies served over 1,727 clients with their CTC, underscoring the program's broad reach and profound impact. For 80% of these recipients, the CTC was a financial lifeline, enabling them to pay for household expenses and bills. The power of the CTC extends beyond just financial relief:
- "I was able to use my child tax credit to put into my health savings account so I can always afford copays and meds for my kids when they get sick." -Five County AOG client
- "Honestly, those payments frequently made a huge difference for us... The child tax credit made the day to day possible." -Audrey G., Mom of 2 and client at Community Action Services and Food Bank In Provo
VITA services ensure that families like Eden's can navigate the complexities of tax filing and claim the benefits they deserve. This free tax assistance is one of many programs offered by Community Action Agencies in Utah to empower families and combat poverty. As another client shares, "A single mom...was unaware of the CTC until she enrolled in Circles Davis County. Her mentor told her about VITA where she had her taxes done. She received a full child tax credit." -Open Doors client
Eden's story and the experiences of countless other Utah families illustrate the transformative power of the Child Tax Credit and VITA services. These programs do more than just provide financial assistance; they offer hope and a pathway to stability for those facing hardship.
If the Child Tax Credit or VITA services could benefit you or someone you know, don't hesitate to reach out to your local CAP agency. Let's ensure every family in Utah has the support they need to thrive.
Find VITA Services Near You:
If you're located in Box Elder, Cache, or Rich counties, sign up for VITA help with Bear River Association of Governments (BRAG) here.
If you're located in Weber County, sign up for VITA help with Ogden-Weber Community Action Partnership (OWCAP) here.
If you're located in Davis and Morgan counties, sign up for VITA help with Open Doors here.
If you're located in Duchesne, Uintah, or Daggett counties, sign up for VITA help with Uintah Basin Association of Governments (UBAOG) here.
If you're located in Carbon, Emery, Grand, and San Juan counties, sign up for VITA help with Southeastern Regional Development Agency (SERDA) here.
If you're located in Juab, Millard, Piute, Sanpete, Sevier, and Wayne counties, sign up for VITA help with Six County Association of Governments here.
If you're located in Beaver, Garfield, Iron, Kane, and Washington counties, sign up for VITA help with Five County Association of Governments here.
