Watch the Recording Here
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.