Tax Support and Financial Stability: VITA Latino Advances Financial Access Yet Again

VITA Latino is a component of Common Wealth Charlotte’s (CWC) Spanish initiative, Buenas Finanzas Carolinas (BFC). This program focuses on serving a segment of the community that has historically encountered obstacles in tax preparation due to financial and language barriers; it delivers a comprehensive range of financial literacy and capability services while being tailored through a culturally sensitive approach to more effectively serve Charlotte’s expanding and underserved Latinx community. Since inception in 2023, VITA Latino has returned a total of $3,412,423 in tax refunds. 

“It was a season filled with challenges, but also with deeply rewarding moments,” recounts Elena Blackwell, BFC Financial Counselor and VITA Latino Advanced Tax Preparer, “More than just a tax preparation program, VITA represents a valuable opportunity to connect with the community and gain firsthand insight into the financial and social impact this service has on those who receive it. Providing assistance in Spanish allowed us to strengthen our support for the Latino community; however, this year the program's reach extended even further by serving individuals from diverse nationalities, including American, Russian, Ethiopian, Afghan  families, and many others. This season, VITA Latino went above and beyond, as it has done year after year, and 2027 will be no exception.” 

VITA Latino 2026 (based on the 2025 tax year) had another impactful year as 818 taxes were submitted through the program totaling $394,522 in taxes paid, saving $490,800 in tax preparation costs and returning $1,376,786 in refunds to taxpayers. These outcomes demonstratehow powerful a role a single tax season can play in creating new opportunities for individuals to move toward financial stability. Additionally, Field Site Visits (conducted by the IRS) provide oversight at VITA sites. These visits evaluate the site’s overall adherence to Quality Site Requirements and Volunteer Standards of Conduct. Based on reviews held both virtually and on-site in March 2026, VITA Latino impressively met all 10 requirements! These incredible results are important for building relationships and maintaining reputation as a VITA site. 

“We’re grateful for the opportunity to be part of VITA Latino 2026 and to support our community through this work,” International House, a returning partner host site exclaims, "it’s incredibly meaningful to see the impact reflected in these [results]; each appointment representssomeone we were able to assist and connect with vital resources. We appreciate your support and collaboration, and we look forward to continuing this work together.” 

This year, there were 15 VITA Latino host sites (two of which were new partners, and 13 of which were recurring). These host sites offered clients a dedicated space to consult about their taxes, as well as provided extra marketing efforts to help expand the program’s visibility and impact. With a total of 1,509 individuals served, VITA Latino’s impact is powered by the volunteers who walk alongside clients throughout the tax process (helping them file accurately, increase refunds, lower costs, identify missed opportunities, or better understand their taxes, to name a few). For 2026, there were 55 trained individuals, leading to 36 active volunteers.  

Volunteers, like Dianara Orazbayeva, play an impactful and energized role, “I am very happy to be part of your team and this wonderful community. I really enjoyed volunteering with VITA Latino 2026 and helping families with their taxes, I only wish I could have participated more often.” 

The VITA Latino season wrapped with an annual celebration for all the incredible volunteers who dedicated their time throughout the season. This program’s success is largely due to the work provided by these rockstars when it comes to aiding the BFC team, assisting the clients, or moving the mission forward by putting their passion to purpose. Hosted at Birdsong Brewing, this was a special evening to honor those who are committed to serving us. 

Lastly, BFC hosted Despertando el Sueño Americano: Tercera Edición, which connected attendees with financial workshops, one-on-one consultations, and trusted resources for college planning, homeownership, and career advancement. Attendees engaged directly with service providers, gaining practical tools to strengthen their financial stability and plan for long-term success. This event brought the community together to celebrate six years of BFC supporting Charlotte’s Latinx community through resources and supportive partnerships. 

To learn more about how you can be a partner in providing economic stability and free tax preparation to the Latinx community, please visit  vitalatino.org or commonwealthcharlotte.org today. 

Initially launched by the IRS, the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program aids eligible individuals, and those with limited English proficiency, in filing their taxes for free annually. Click here to learn more.