VITA Tax Services Provided by PBICVR, a United Way Agency, and Its Partnerships
When Do We Start Filing Taxes in 2026?
For the 2026 tax season in the United States, you can typically begin filing your federal income tax returns in late January 2026. The IRS will announce the official opening date for e-filing and paper returns, which is usually the last week of January.
April 15, 2026 will be the deadline for most individual taxpayers to file their 2025 tax returns. However, you do not have to wait until April—you can file as soon as the IRS begins accepting returns.
VITA and PBICVR’s Role
The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program is a national initiative sponsored by the IRS to provide free tax preparation services to individuals and families with low to moderate incomes, persons with disabilities, the elderly, and those with limited English proficiency. PBICVR (Pine Bluff Interested Citizens in Voter Registration), as an affiliate agency of the United Way of Southeast Arkansas, plays a pivotal role in delivering these services locally. Through its partnerships with United Way and other community organizations, PBICVR ensures that eligible residents have access to high-quality, IRS-certified tax assistance at no cost.
Purpose and Importance of the VITA Program
The primary goal of VITA is to offer free, reliable tax help to those who may not be able to afford professional tax services or who need assistance navigating the complexities of tax filing. VITA volunteers are trained to help clients claim all eligible tax credits and deductions, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Child Tax Credit (CTC), which can significantly increase tax refunds for qualifying households.
For low-income and financially challenged communities, VITA is much more than just a tax service—it is a critical tool for financial empowerment and stability. By eliminating the cost of tax preparation and maximizing refunds, VITA helps families cover essential expenses, pay down debt, and even start building savings. The program also protects vulnerable taxpayers from predatory tax preparers and connects them to additional financial resources and education.
Impact on the Community: Financial Benefits
The financial impact of VITA services is substantial, both nationally and locally. Each year, VITA programs across the country return billions of dollars in tax refunds and credits to low- and moderate-income households. For example:
- Nationally, VITA volunteers at 2,800 sites prepared nearly one million tax returns in a recent tax season, generating $1.7 billion in refunds.
- At the local level, PBICVR & United Way Southeast Arkansas VITA program, based on the size of Pine Bluff and similar communities, local VITA programs often serve several hundred households each tax season.
- The average VITA refund is about $2,000 per household. (Your individual tax return will be specific to your household.)
The average refund for VITA clients is typically around $2,000, and the savings on tax preparation fees—often $300 or more per return—are especially meaningful for families living paycheck to paycheck.
The Appointment-Only Model
All VITA locations operated by PBICVR and its partners are by appointment only. This model is designed to improve efficiency, reduce wait times, and ensure a high-quality experience for both clients and volunteers. By scheduling appointments, VITA sites can better manage resources, protect client privacy, and provide more personalized service. The appointment-only approach also supports health and safety, a practice that became especially important during the COVID-19 pandemic and continues due to its operational benefits.
Partnerships That Make VITA Possible
The success of the VITA program depends on strong partnerships at both the national and local levels. PBICVR collaborates with United Way, local nonprofits, faith-based organizations, educational institutions, and financial institutions. These partnerships enable the program to:
- Mobilize volunteers and resources
- Expand outreach to underserved populations
- Provide comprehensive services, including financial education and asset-building opportunities
- Host VITA sites in accessible community locations
Financial institutions, for example, may host VITA sites, donate equipment, or help clients open bank accounts for direct deposit of refunds. These collaborative efforts ensure that VITA services are widely available and tailored to the unique needs of the community.
What VITA Means for Low-Income and Financially Challenged Communities
For individuals and families facing economic hardship, VITA is a lifeline. It not only puts much-needed money back into their pockets through larger refunds and savings on tax preparation, but also empowers them with knowledge and access to additional resources. VITA helps break the cycle of poverty by:
- Maximizing access to anti-poverty tax credits
- Reducing vulnerability to predatory financial practices
- Promoting financial stability and self-sufficiency
- Strengthening community bonds through volunteerism and outreach
PBICVR, as a United Way agency, is a cornerstone of the VITA program in Southeast Arkansas, providing free, high-quality tax preparation services to those who need them most. Through strategic partnerships and an appointment-only model, PBICVR and its collaborators ensure that low- and moderate-income residents can access vital tax credits and refunds, avoid costly fees, and take important steps toward financial security. The VITA program has returned millions of dollars to communities like Pine Bluff, making a measurable difference in the lives of financially challenged families and strengthening the local economy.