Project Grant 26VITA0091

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) awarded Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity, Inc. (doing business as Addison Community Action) $160,000 under the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Matching Grant Program (CFDA 21.009) for the period October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026. Under this matching grant award, the organization provides free tax return preparation and filing services to underserved and low- to moderate-income populations in Vermont. Key service delivery activities include extending VITA services to hard-to-reach urban and non-urban areas, increasing electronic return filing capacity, enhancing volunteer training programs, improving quality control measures, and increasing the accuracy rate of tax returns prepared at VITA sites.

The program specifically targets vulnerable populations including low- to moderate-income individuals (as defined by Earned Income Tax Credit thresholds), persons with disabilities, individuals with limited English proficiency, Native Americans, rural residents, military members and their families, and elderly taxpayers. Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity utilizes subrecipients to deliver key program elements, including Capstone Community Action, Inc., which began its sub-award on November 21, 2025. All recipients must ensure that at least 90 percent of returns prepared serve eligible populations and file all eligible returns electronically while meeting annual return production goals.