$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 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 different 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. Over 13,500 returns have been processed to date 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 generous support of our 142 IRS-certified volunteer tax preparers, the VITA program provides FREEfree income tax assistance to individuals with annual household incomes up to $69,000. The average federal refund for this year was over $1,000, plus many filers also qualified for an average federal earned income tax credit of over $1,700. Not only did our volunteers help our neighbors file for benefits and refunds they qualify for, together, we helped taxpayers save 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 through the use of technology and other means with a goal of simplifying the process of getting your taxes done. This season was historic for our growing organization with growth not only in traditional in-person offerings, but through our virtual services which now span nationwide and amount to 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 would not be successful.
Juan Berrios, Executive Director of SimplifyCT
SimplifyCT’s rapid growth has allowed them to become the largest provider of VITA services in Connecticut, and the only provider of tax-related service and support that remains open all year long. SimplifyCT and its volunteers are still providing free income tax assistance for individuals whose income is at or below $69,000. Taxpayers seeking assistance in greater Fairfield County 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, 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. Our 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.