United Way of Pasco County Surpasses $4.5 Million in Tax Refund Returns to Families in Need
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
United Way of Pasco County
727-845-3030 | unitedwaypasco.org
United Way of Pasco County Surpasses $4.5 Million in Tax Refund Returns to Families in Need
Pasco County, FL (May 21, 2025) – United Way of Pasco County proudly celebrates the successful completion of its 2025 Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program, which returned $4,527,431 in refunds to hardworking residents across the county. This number is projected to increase with late returns trickling in. With the help of 101 IRS-trained volunteers, the program prepared and electronically filed 5,491 tax returns, achieving 91% of the goal of 6,000 returns.
“We are incredibly proud of the work done this year,” said Diana Claussen, VITA Program Manager. “Our volunteers traveled to service sites in each region of the county, and their big hearts changed lives- especially for our elderly and lower income neighbors.”
Despite the closure of four tax preparation sites used last year due to hurricane damage, VITA volunteers served 251 more residents than last year. This increased impact is a testament to the unwavering dedication and compassion of the volunteer team, who collectively contributed thousands of service hours across ten VITA locations. These included Dade City’s First Baptist Church, New Port Richey’s Elfers Senior Center, Holiday’s United Church of Christ, Land O’ Lakes’ Our Lady of the Rosary, Port Richey’s Regency Park Civic Center, Wesley Chapel’s Life Church Community Center, Pasco-Hernando State College, Meadow Pointe II, Zephyrhills’ Alice Hall, and First Presbyterian Church. Volunteers also provided services at a Pasco County domestic violence shelter, supporting survivors who rely on their tax returns to begin life anew.
The true impact of the program, however, goes beyond numbers. There were countless moments when individuals were ecstatic to not owe anything or felt truly blessed by a refund. One senior, who received a $250 refund, reacted as if she had just won the Powerball. Moments like these, filled with joy and relief, remind volunteers why they give their time each year: to bring hope and dignity to members of our community.
President and CEO, Laura Ospina-Knight reflected, “For three and a half months, our volunteers dedicated their time to helping the most vulnerable residents in Pasco receive the highest returns, and for that, I am deeply grateful. We encourage more residents of our county to sign up beginning each January to receive this one-on-one tax mentorship.”
The VITA program provides significant financial benefits to residents by offering free tax preparation services, helping them avoid costly fees that can be a financial burden. Residents also have an increased chance of claiming valuable tax credits, resulting in substantial savings that can instead be used for day-to-day living expenses.
The program serves individuals and families with a household income of $67,000 or less, focusing on those with the greatest need. Most clients served were low-income households earning under $30,000, including single elderly individuals, grandparents, young couples, families on the brink of homelessness, and veterans.
United Way of Pasco County is always accepting volunteers for this program. If you are passionate about giving back and have a few days or weeks to spare in Spring 2026, we would love to have you join us. Training begins in late summer 2025. Interested individuals should contact VITA@unitedwaypasco.org or call 727-845-3030.
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Media Contact:
Marissa Kurt
727-249-8850
United Way of Pasco County is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization working to improve lives for children, families, and individuals in all of Pasco County. We work with over 50 partner agencies to assist our neighbors in their darkest hours and to find sustainable solutions to major issues in our community.