How Free Tax Help Is Putting Money Back Into the Southland
Sometimes, impact looks like a tax return. (No, really.)
In March, the Southland Development Authority (SDA) launched its Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program. The goal is simple. Help residents file taxes for free. Create paid opportunities at the same time. And what’s wild? After just one month - It’s very obvious based on the stats that it’s already working.
No Cost Tax Prep and Training You Get Paid For
You can use the program to file your taxes at no cost. That includes current-year returns, amendments, extensions, and prior-year filings. While that happens, local participants go through IRS training, earn certifications, and get paid to do real work.
The SDA’s Jerrica Butler, who leads the program, put it clearly: “We’re building something that can be replicated next year,” she said. “With or without funding, we can continue delivering a strong program that supports our communities.”
The program started with training on February 26. It began serving clients on March 12.
Since then, the results are clear.
52 clients served.
45 tax returns completed.
$44,453.00 in federal refunds secured.
$3612.00 in state refunds.
That’s almost 50,000 back in residents’ pockets.
That money helps you pay bills. It reduces stress. It gives families breathing room when they need it most. As so many do in these increasingly difficult economic times. After all, grocery prices are up about 20% higher than they were just a handful of years ago. Not to mention, well, everything else.
And at the same time, the program is building a workforce.
Seven participants completed training. They earned certifications in Volunteer Standards of Conduct, Intake and Quality Review, and Basic Tax Law. Some moved even further.
Five participants became certified tax preparers.
Two became intake specialists.
Four participants were Harvey residents. And two Harvey residents earned certification as tax preparers.
It was learning, working, and getting paid to do it.
In Harvey alone, participants logged 54 hours and earned $1535, including training stipends. Across the full group, participants logged 88 hours and earned $2,555.
The program runs through strong partnerships. The SDA works with Harvey Neighborhood Network, United Way, and Helping Hands Tax Network. These groups help set up the program, keep it compliant, and make sure it runs smoothly.
Right now, services are available at the SDA’s Tinley Park office. The intake and tax preparation process is fully set up and running.
Outreach is a big part of the effort. The SDA and its partners connect with residents through local organizations, churches, community groups, municipalities, senior living facilities, social media, and word of mouth. That work continues as the program grows.
For one local client, the experience stood out right away.
“They were so helpful, kind, and professional,” said a representative from Orlando Lynn Salon in Tinley Park. “Walking in and seeing the bright smiles and the kind welcoming was just beautiful.”
The results speak for themselves.
You get free, reliable tax help. Refund dollars stay in the local economy. Participants gain skills, certifications, and paid experience.
And the SDA builds a program that can keep growing.
The SDA plans to continue expanding outreach and training more clients. The program runs through October 15.
About the Southland Development Authority
The Southland Development Authority, a not-for-profit economic development organization, is committed to driving equitable and sustainable economic growth in the South Suburbs of Chicago. Through innovative programs, strategic partnerships, and impactful direct investments, the SDA is building a vibrant, inclusive economy that drives wealth growth for individuals, businesses, and municipalities. Combined with the benefits of the South Suburban Land Bank and the Monarch Fund, the SDA serves as a model for regional development.
