As the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic continues to transform the economic landscape for families across the country, Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) programs and other tax-focused organizations were forced to tackle new challenges in 2021.  This included implementing virtual delivery methods for services, advocating for the expansion of the Child Tax Credit (CTC), and supporting families through stressful and unparalleled financial hardships. We sat down with Cara Cardotti, the Tax Assistance Program Director of United Way of Greater Richmond and Petersburg and the Chair of Prosperity Now’s Taxpayer Opportunity Network (TON) Steering Committee, to discuss her program’s work, reflections on 2021 tax season and her thoughts on the future of the field. 

Q: Hello Cara. Thank you for taking the time to speak with me. Could you talk a little bit about your work with United Way of Greater Richmond and Petersburg?  

Sure. Our organization is based in Virginia and our service footprint covers 11 different localities, including six physical tax sites and a virtual service that was launched this past year.  We work with several different community partners, including tax site partners within nonprofit organizations, universities, a credit union and several libraries.  

Q. What were some of your key accomplishments in 2021?  

We successfully pivoted to a virtual training method for our tax prep volunteers. We also had several sites open in-person in 2021, who utilized a drop-off and curbside model to provide services and continue working with clients. It was great for us to be able to work through this shift and successfully deploy a new delivery method. Two of our sites piloted a virtual remote coaching program for customers who were filing tax returns on their own.  Finding new ways to reach our customers was particularly important this year, given that many free services were unavailable in our local area.  

Q: What goals do you have for your organization in 2022?  

We’re still navigating the challenges of safely opening all our in-person tax sites and hope to do so this year. Several sites are still utilizing virtual and alternative delivery methods. Determining what will work best for our individual organizations will be an ongoing challenge.  We’re also looking to extend some savings opportunities at tax time, specifically working with customers to identify their needs and connect them with relevant community partners.  

Q. What should the field continue to focus on in 2022?  

I think across the field everyone will continue to explore new ways to administer services safely and determine which delivery methods work best for their respective locations. The field will also continue to work with customers to reconcile their Child Tax Credit payments, as well as expanding outreach to inform families about the importance of bringing proper documentation to file successfully.  With the emergence of new tax laws, including the expanded EITC, it’s important to engage new and returning customers about changes in qualifications and encourage them to file taxes in 2022.  

To learn more about how the Taxpayer Opportunity Network supports VITA programs, visit our website.  

For more information about United Way of Greater Richmond and Petersburg, visit their website and follow them on social media!