The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) will host a national virtual webinar to encourage financial institutions and community-based organizations (CBOs) to promote free tax filing assistance to low-and moderate-income households through the Internal Revenue Service’s (IRS) Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Credit for the Elderly (TCE) programs. Speakers will raise awareness about the $14.6 billion of Earned Income Tax Credits (EITC) that were unclaimed in 2023 and will share resources for banks and consumers about the importance of opening a federally insured account before filing taxes and splitting a portion of their tax refund into a savings account. In addition, a bank representative will share their institution’s experience and reasons for participating in the VITA program, as well as related outcomes.
Presenters:
- Montrice Yakimov, Associate Director, Community Affairs, DCP, FDIC
- Don Dill, Senior Tax Analyst, SPEC HQ, National Partnerships, IRS
- Mona Fontella, Director of Community Development & CRA Officer, Royal Business Bank
- Amy Miller, America Saves, Program Manager, Consumer Federation of America
- Mia Sowell, Acting Project Manager, FDIC, DCP, Community Affairs
- Paola Diaz, Senior Community Affairs Specialist, FDIC (Moderator)
When:
Wednesday, January 22, 2025 from 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM ET
Where:
Webinar, registration information below.
Who Should Attend:
Bankers, Community Development Financial Institutions, state, local, and federal government entities, nonprofits, and other organizations interested in helping LMI households maximize their tax credits (including EITC), receive their tax refunds at no cost via direct deposit into an insured bank account, and save money during the tax season.
Registration Information:
Click REGISTER to complete an online registration. You will receive a confirmation email with a downloadable calendar item that includes the webinar link and alternative information to participate by phone.
Contact Information:
If you have any questions about the event, please email TaxTimeInitiative@fdic.gov.
Additional Resources:
- Webinar Recording from the National Webinar on January 22, 2025
- Compiled Slide Deck from the National Webinar on January 22, 2025
- FDIC Tax Time Savings Initiative
- FDIC Banker Resource Center: Opportunity to Provide Free Tax Assistance to Consumers
- FDIC Consumer Resource Center: Free Tax Preparation for Taxpayers Who Qualify
- Free tax return preparation for qualifying taxpayers | Internal Revenue Service
- Guide to filing your taxes in 2024 | Consumer Financial Protection Bureau