$16.5M returned to taxpayers through the SimplifyCT VITA campaign
Darien, Conn. (June 14, 2025) – Now in its fifth year of operations, SimplifyCT helps serve tens of thousands of mainly Connecticut residents with free income tax preparation assistance through the IRS-sponsored Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program. This year saw the highest number of taxpayers served by SimplifyCT since its founding. Eligible taxpayers were able to obtain services through a variety of ways including: In-person assistance at a local VITA site, virtual tax preparation assistance through a secure website, and a new “do-it-yourself” option through IRS Direct File and TaxSlayer Facilitated Self-Assistance. To date, over 13,500 returns have been processed and accepted by the IRS resulting in a total of over $16.5 million in refunds and credits returned to our communities.
Driven by the dedicated participation of well over 100 IRS-certified volunteer tax preparers, via the IRS’s VITA program SimplifyCT provides free income tax assistance targeted at low to medium income households. The average federal refund for this year was $1,000; plus many filers also qualified for federal/state earned income tax credits (“EITC”) averaging over $1,700. Not only did SimplifyCT’s volunteers help our neighbors file for these benefits and refunds but they also helped taxpayers avoid over $3.6 million in tax preparation fees this season.
“Since our founding in 2020, SimplifyCT has been a national leader in providing best-in-class services to hardworking taxpayers and retirees through the use of technology and other means with a goal of simplifying the process of getting their taxes done.” says Juan Berrios, Executive Director of SimplifyCT. “This season was historic for our growing organization, not only via traditional in-person offerings but also through our virtual services which are now available nationwide and account for nearly 40% of the returns prepared by our organization. We are grateful for the tremendous support of our partners such as United Way of Connecticut, The Connecticut Project, Code for America, and others who joined us in spreading awareness of this service. Most importantly, I thank our hardworking and dedicated team of volunteers. Without them, our organization could not be successful.”
SimplifyCT’s rapid growth has resulted in the organization becoming the largest provider of VITA services in Connecticut, and the only provider of these tax-related services and support throughout the full calendar year. Low to middle income taxpayers seeking assistance should call 860-590-8910 to speak with a live representative. Filers can also complete their returns online by visiting www.getyourrefund.org/simplifyct or by visiting the non-profit’s website at www.simplifyct.org.
Contact:
Matt Balogh, Marketing Coordinator, 860.590.8910×126, mattb@simplifyct.org
ABOUT SIMPLIFYCT
SimplifyCT is a nonprofit organization that seeks to untangle, or simplify, the complicated and often confusing process of social safety-net benefit access for Connecticut’s low to moderate income, at-risk residents. Its goal is to break the poverty cycle, allowing people to build income and assets in order to reach economic stability and security. For more information on SimplifyCT and its programs visit www.simplifyct.org.