United Way Volunteers File 1,700 Community Tax Returns for Free
Noozhawk
May 13, 2026
You know that sigh of relief you let out when you finally file your taxes? Now imagine that feeling multiplied by 1,700. According to Noozhawk, the United Way of Santa Barbara County just wrapped up another year of its Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, and the numbers are heartwarming. Local volunteers—your neighbors, retirees, and even college students from our community—filed nearly 1,700 tax returns for free, helping families keep more of their hard-earned money right here on the Central Coast.
This matters more than ever in Santa Barbara, where the cost of living can feel like a tight squeeze. For many working families, the difference between paying a tax preparer and getting free, trusted help can mean groceries for the week or a little extra for a kid’s school supplies. The VITA program isn’t just about numbers—it’s about dignity and community care. So next time you see a United Way volunteer, maybe buy them a coffee. They’ve earned it, and they’ve helped keep our community a little more whole.
This summary was written by AI based on the original article from Noozhawk.
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NoozhawkPublished
May 13, 2026
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