The Green River Asset Building Coalition (GRABC) leans on more than 100 trained and IRS-certified volunteers to provide free tax services to the community. They prepare thousands of returns helping put millions of dollars back into pockets annually. With new office space at 1741 Scherm Road, the agency is currently searching for more volunteers.
Executive Director Teresa Thomas said GRABC exists to assist eligible people in saving money and maximizing the earned income tax credit, reducing their tax liability and hopefully increasing their refund.
Volunteers assist with greeting and screening clients and preparing tax returns.
“We’ve started tax training to meet the IRS deadlines,” Thomas said. “We have several new volunteers, but there’s always room for more – we just have to ensure we can get them trained before the deadline.”
Several experts in the industry regard the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) as one of the nation’s most effective anti-poverty programs. However, GRABC estimates nearly $1,000,000 per year are lost to many communities because eligible families fail to file a tax return.
By utilizing GRABC, individuals and families can save the estimated $200-$400 it would cost to pay a professional to prepare tax returns.
The Hager Education Foundation launched the initiative in 2004 through a partnership with Bluegrass United Way. The nonprofit realized the need was significant within the local 9-county region and decided to apply for the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) grant through the IRS.
After exponential growth, the Hager Foundation recognized the need to create a separate nonprofit entity to manage the program. They launched GRABC in 2018.
“This is a key way for families to grow and prosper,” Thomas said. “Several people don’t realize this service exists, but it’s a way to keep money in families’ pockets. We serve individuals and families with low to moderate incomes in our region, the elderly population, and anyone that qualifies for the earned income tax credit.”
In 2022, the nonprofit prepared 5,311 tax returns totaling $6,457,995 in returns, a massive number when considering the economic impact on the community.
The organization is 100% volunteer-driven but relies on grants and donations for basic operating expenses. Thomas said the Hager Foundation continues to play a pivotal role in the organization’s success.
Click here to learn more about GRABC.
