Eye on the Long-Term: COVID-19, VITA, and the Future of Free Tax Preparation

The COVID-19 crisis completely altered the VITA landscape and tax preparation in this extended 2020-tax season. The VITA community was forced to retool to meet the moment for its existing clients - primarily without brick and mortar sites and in-person tax prep - and took on the additional task and opportunity of reaching non-filers eligible for stimulus checks. Many sites built or expanded on alternative delivery models; some sites struggled to make the shift. As we start to look to the next tax season and beyond:

What can we learn from the experiences of this past tax season? What are the ongoing gaps and barriers being carried into next tax season?
Is the shift to alternative service delivery models a shift for the moment or an investment in a permanent infrastructure transition?
If virtual is the way forward, what are the opportunities and the missing pieces?
How do we think about tying the work to financial capability and other services going forward?
How can we best support the field in this moment and with an eye on the long-term?

Speakers:

Liz Brister, Corporate Social Responsibility Manager, Entergy (moderator)
Julie Hahn Hodgson, Program Officer, Citi Foundation
Courtney O'Reilly, Director, Tax Help Colorado
Rebecca M. Thompson, Associate Director of Field Engagement & TON, Prosperity Now

This funder conversation will provide an opportunity to hear reflections on this past tax season, discuss lessons learned, and talk together as a funder community about ways to apply these learnings and ensure and expand access to critical VITA services going forward.