Maximizing Tax Credits Through Free Tax Help

Free tax preparation services like VITA and IRS Direct File make it easier for Texans to claim the full value of these credits. This provides unrestricted cash that families can use to meet immediate needs and invest in their futures.

RAISE Texas is committed to ensuring that all eligible Texans can access essential federal tax credits, like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Child Tax Credit (CTC), which are powerful tools for enhancing financial stability and achieving long-term goals. By collaborating with and expanding free tax preparation services such as Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and IRS Direct File, we make it easier for individuals and families to claim the full value of these credits. This provides unrestricted cash that families can use to address immediate needs and make meaningful investments in their futures. In June 2024, RAISE Texas hosted our second Texas VITA Conference, bringing together Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) programs from all over the state to exchange ideas, discuss challenges, and learn how to improve and expand the vital work of VITA in Texas. See presentations and resources from our VITA conferences under the Events tab and below. Want to receive RAISE Texas emails on future events? Sign up here.

Funding for VITA

RAISE Texas VITA Toolkit: How to Secure Local Funding
Toolkit sponsored by JPMorgan Chase and Share Our Strength
IRS VITA Funding in Texas + State Comparison
Sample City Council Map to Make the Case for Local Funding:
Download this Interactive City Council and Zip Code Map with 2021 Tax Season Data designed by Sofía Sánchez-Morales with Foundation Communities-Dallas.

VITA Outreach

Presentation: Social Media
Blackhawk Digital Marketing
Presentation: TV/Radio Outreach
Cristina Cave, Baker Ripley
Sample: Press Release for Tax Season Kickoff
Cristina Cave, Baker Ripley
Sample: Program Details for Media
Cristina Cave, Baker Ripley

VITA Volunteers

Presentation: Provide a Best-in-Class Volunteer Experience
Jackie Cuéllar, Foundation Communities
Resource: “It’s My First Day” Checklist
Jackie Cuéllar, Foundation Communities
Service Learning + Required Volunteer Hours for Accounting Students
Practicum Syllabus
Practicum Schedule
Jackie Cuéllar, Foundation Communities
Presentation: Online Advanced Certification Training
Janet Andrasko, Florida Prosperity Partnership (FPP)

Low Income Tax Clinics

Resource: Contact List of Texas LITC Programs
Mandi Matlock, Texas Rio Grande Legal Aid

Data: Help Texans Claim & Keep Tax Credits

Presentation: San Antonio’s Investment in VITA
Richard Keith, City of San Antonio
Sample Tax Season Analysis of Texas Counties
Contact RAISE Texas if you are interested in an analysis of the Texas counties you serve.
Interactive Map of Earned Income Tax Credit Dollars Received in Texas by County in Tax Year 2019. Map by Zip Code. Maps created by Every Texan.
Interactive Map of Additional Child Tax Credit Dollars Received in Texas by County in Tax Year 2019. Map by Zip Code. Maps created by Every Texan.
Data on the local population living below the poverty line is helpful to show who will benefit most from free tax assistance and claiming the full EITC and CTC. You can find this information by county using this U.S. Census data tool or this report on High Poverty Areas by County from the Texas Workforce Commission. Consider looking at multiple years to demonstrate possible trends.

Thank you to the generous funding from these sponsors who support our VITA & tax credit work: