For Tax Preparation Appointments or Neighbors Helping Neighbors in Charlotte County, call 941-421-7100
A Real Reason to Celebrate
By Angie Matthiessen, Executive Director
It makes me happy to look into the United Way Charlotte County (UWCC) conference room and see clients being served. Just when you think tax season is over, it’s not! We’re preparing taxes year-round.
For 38 dedicated volunteers with our Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, May 1, 2025 marked the official end of tireless work helping individuals and families across Charlotte County. VITA offers free tax preparation, and the results this year were nothing short of extraordinary.
The total economic impact from this year’s program reached $1,472,120, a 7% increase over last year. Our team completed 1,173 accepted tax returns, with 60% of our clients over the age of 65, reflecting our strong commitment to supporting seniors. The average adjusted gross income among clients was $27,420, with $170,119 in Child Tax Credits and $311,927 in Earned Income Tax Credits returned to local families.
But behind the numbers are the real stories—stories of resilience, gratitude, and hope. Our volunteers don’t just prepare taxes; they listen, laugh, and sometimes cry with clients navigating life’s toughest challenges, including the ongoing recovery from Hurricanes Ian, Helene, and Milton.
Some individuals qualify for additional help through the Neighbors Helping Neighbors program, which supports those impacted by storms by reducing their taxable liability. One couple recently received a $6,000 refund, which will be a major boost in their journey toward recovery.
The best news? VITA now offers year-round tax assistance. If you need to file, amend a return, or take care of prior-year taxes, our volunteers are still here to help. As Mary Meador, VITA Program Senior Manager-United Way Lee, Hendry, and Glades shared, “Even though tax season is over, there is still help. We’re here year-round to help.”
VITA volunteer Ted Maier summed it up simply: “It’s a community service of giving back and helping people.”
And Emil Reiser, a retiree who has volunteered for 11 years, reflected, “When I was working, my employer encouraged volunteering—and I never stopped.”
This year, we also saw a 22% increase in total refunds. Volunteers logged nearly 4,000 hours and answered more than 1,600 phone calls. Among those served, 23% used their refund to pay essential bills, while 11% required help connecting with community resources.
As for me? I'm proud beyond belief. I often say I feel like a proud mama bear when I think about our VITA team and volunteers. Their dedication, compassion, and willingness to serve this community humbles me every single day. They don’t just prepare taxes—they restore dignity, build trust, and change lives.
So yes, go ahead and play “Celebration” by Kool & The Gang—we’ve earned it. Our volunteers continue to make a difference, one return at a time, and the impact is worth recognizing.
To learn more about volunteering for VITA or to schedule a tax appointment, please visit: unitedwayccfl.org/Celebration
For more information about United Way of Charlotte County’s mission: Mobilizing the power of our community to break the cycle of poverty, please contact Angie Matthiessen, Executive Director. She can be reached at director@unitedwayccfl.org.