United Way of Acadiana announces the official opening of the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program for the 2026 tax season. Starting now, IRS-certified volunteers are providing free, high-quality tax preparation services to eligible residents across the Acadiana region, helping individuals and families maximize their refunds and achieve greater financial security. The partnership between United Way of Acadiana and organizations like ASSIST, SMILE, St. Mary Community Action Agency, Acadiana High School, United Way of St. Landry and Evangeline makes this free service possible.

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program is specifically designed to support those who generally earn $70,000 or less annually, as well as persons with disabilities, senior citizens, and taxpayers with limited English proficiency. By using this free service, participants can avoid the high fees associated with commercial tax preparation and ensure they are claiming essential credits, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC).