VITA Tax Season Kicks-off at University of Albany
ALBANY, NY | January 30, 2026 — United Way of the Greater Capital Region launched its 2026 VITA Tax season during a news conference at the University at Albany. Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) is a free tax preparation service designed to help low-income individuals and families maximize refunds and access critical tax credits at no cost through the support of IRS-certified volunteers.
VITA Volunteers provide free, accurate and trusted tax preparation services to households earning $69,000 or less. The program, sponsored by United Way of the Greater Capital Region and the IRS, ensures eligible individuals receive vital tax credits, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Child Tax Credit (CTC), putting money directly back into the pockets of Capital Region families.
For the 2026 season, VITA will operate more than 20 sites across 8 counties in the Capital Region. Clients can access a location near them at GetFreeTaxPrep.org. Capital Region VITA is supported by 19 community organizations and hundreds of trained volunteers who staff each site and make this program possible.
On Friday, elected officials representing the Capital Region at the state and federal level joined President & CEO, Peter Gannon, to encourage eligible individuals and families to sign up for free tax preparation services through VITA.
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VITA'S IMPACT
In 2025, Capital Region VITA volunteers processed 6,220 tax returns, saved filers a total of $1.8 million in tax preparation fees, and returned more than $9 million to the local economy. The average income for clients who used Capital Region VITA in 2025 was $33,509.
Peter Gannon, President and CEO of United Way of the Greater Capital Region said,
“Financial stability starts with access to more resources. And VITA is one of the most direct ways we help families work toward financial security. Our numbers show more families are struggling to afford the basics despite working hard. VITA is a practical and proven program that helps remove barriers and ensures people get every dollar they’ve earned. Each return prepared allows someone to access more resources to put toward everyday needs like groceries, gas or savings. This year we aim to reach more individuals who need this resource and return millions of dollars back into our local economy.”
Dr. Havidán Rodríguez, University at Albany President said,
“Capital Region VITA is a powerful tool for strengthening the financial security of our region. The University at Albany is proud to partner with the United Way of the Greater Capital Region on this program by hosting a VITA site. This partnership perfectly demonstrates how public higher education can support and collaborate with community partners to ensure our neighbors have access to the financial resources they need. As a community anchor, we have a responsibility to support the community with initiatives such as this.”
U.S. Congressman Paul Tonko (NY-20) said,
“VITA provides a critical lifeline for individuals and families in our Capital Region and beyond, offering free tax preparation assistance for those in our communities who need it most. This program would not be possible without the tireless work of all those at the CA$H Coalition and the United Way of the Greater Capital Region, and I’m honored to join them in their efforts to raise awareness of these important resources."
Senator Patricia Fahy (D-46th Senate District) said,
"For too many families in our Capital Region, tax preparation means forking out hundreds of dollars at a time when that can make or break the difference for a working family's finances. Each year, the United Way of the Greater Capital Region and the CA$H Coalition's VITA initiative ensure that families and individuals can file their taxes for free and receive assistance. I encourage every Capital Region resident who qualifies for this free resource to take advantage of it and save themselves some money this tax season. As we continue to work to address affordability, lower the cost of living, and navigate tariffs that has families paying thousands more this year, working families should know that help is available this year through VITA."
New York State Senator Jake Ashby (R-43rd Senate District) said,
"In the Senate, I've championed tax incentives for adoption, IVF, and new parents. I've fought for new property tax credits for seniors, veterans and first responders. Those efforts are all for nothing if people can't afford professional assistance to actually claim tax credits during the filing process. That's why this program is so important, and that's why I'm so grateful for the efforts of our partners at the United Way, for host sites like UAlbany, and for all of the civic-minded volunteers pitching in to help their neighbors."
Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy said,
“For a lot of families, tax season can be confusing and stressful, especially when every dollar matters. The VITA program gives low-income residents a place they can go to get help, ask questions, and make sure they’re not leaving money on the table. It’s a simple idea that has a real impact, helping households stay financially stable while putting millions of dollars back into our economy.”
The VITA program is made possible through partnerships with the Internal Revenue Service, local nonprofits, community leaders and volunteers committed to advancing financial empowerment. Residents can find eligibility requirements, site locations, hours, and volunteer opportunities at GetFreeTaxPrep.org