Creating Assets, Savings and Hope (CA$H) of the Greater Capital Region
A United Way led coalition serving Albany, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady and Schoharie counties

Albany County | Rensselaer County | Saratoga County | Schenectady County | Schoharie County | Marketing Materials  

The latest numbers are in!
The work of the CA$H coalition, powered by more than 230 volunteers, helped return $18,074,618* to Capital Region individuals and families this tax season. This reflects a 12% increase from last year. CA$H/VITA volunteers contributed 20,475 hours to preparing a record 13,165 tax returns! The free tax preparation service was valued at $2.6 million. United, we can accomplish far more than if we worked alone. Thanks to the CA$H coalition - consisting of United Way, business and financial partners, non-profit service providers, the Internal Revenue Service, AARP and others - more Capital Region families have income to meet their basic needs, save for the future and create opportunities for a better life.

* Does not include AARP state refund data.

Other Important CA$H News and Updates:

• CA$H Consumer News Alert: click link to read article Big Banks May Offer Payday Loans by Another Name 

• CA$H partners: Clients can now apply for Social Security retirement and Medicare benefits entirely in Spanish. Click here to learn more! 

What is CA$H?
CA$H is a coalition of community, social, faith-based, educational, business, financial and government organizations dedicated to promoting financial stability and asset building for individuals and families in New York’s Capital Region. CA$H, which leads the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)/AARP tax aide program, seeks to increase awareness about the availability of tax credits for working individuals, families and seniors.

What is VITA?
The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA) provides free tax preparation and helps working families access the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and many other credits and savings to which they are entitled under law. There are free VITA sites in each county throughout the Greater Capital Region. They are staffed by volunteers representing United Way, the finance industry, the IRS, social services and community members.

United Way's Role
As a leader in bringing community resources together to advance the common good, United Way convenes and oversees the CA$H coalition, ensuring that efforts are effectively coordinated across five counties, and individuals receive tax assistance and tools for long term financial stability. United Way is committed to helping individuals and families achieve financial stability as one of the building blocks for a good quality of life and strong community.