LTM VITA

LTM Executive Director Bill Shaw will be joining the panel for the next Connects: Conversations with Coatesville!

This conversation will explore economic stability and its connection to health and well-being, including employment, housing, food security, family resources, and economic mobility right here in Coatesville.

This will be a great conversation for our LTM community to tune into and hear from local leaders working directly in our community.

Tuesday, September 1 | 12–1 PM | Online via Microsoft Teams

Registration link in the comments.

Back-to-school season is a great time for a quick tax check!

College students and parents: remember to check paycheck withholding, keep tuition and scholarship records, and learn which education tax credits may apply to you.

A little planning now can make tax season easier later.

Summer is the perfect time for a paycheck checkup!

If you've had a raise, started a second job, welcomed a new child, gotten married, divorced, or experienced any major financial changes this year, your current tax withholding may no longer be accurate.

Taking 10–15 minutes now could help you:
✔️ Avoid an unexpected tax bill next spring
✔️ Reduce the chance of underpayment penalties
✔️ Increase your take-home pay if you're having too much withheld
✔️ Keep your tax refund closer to the amount you actually want

Here are a few simple steps:

1️⃣ Grab your most recent pay stub(s).

2️⃣ Use the IRS Tax Withholding Estimator to see if your current withholding is on track. The estimator will even recommend changes to your Form W-4 based on your situation.

3️⃣ If changes are needed, submit an updated Form W-4 to your employer. You can update your W-4 anytime during the year—not just when you start a new job.

A mid-year withholding check is especially important if you have:
• Multiple jobs
• Self-employment or side gig income
• Investment income
• Recent life changes (marriage, divorce, birth/adoption, retirement)
• Significant changes in income or deductions

A little planning today can help prevent surprises at tax time.

Every accurate tax return tells the story of teamwork.

A special thank you to our Advanced Reviewers, whose careful attention and commitment to quality help ensure every return meets IRS standards before it's filed. Quality review is one of the most important steps in the VITA process, protecting both our clients and the integrity of our program.

Congratulations to our top reviewers from this past tax season:
🥇 Dane Zabrinski – 246 returns reviewed
🥈 Dan Wheeler – 193 returns reviewed
🥉 Dennis Macaleer – 91 returns reviewed

Thank you for your dedication, excellence, and the countless hours you've invested in serving our community. Your work behind the scenes makes a lasting impact.

Received a letter from the IRS?

Don’t panic — but don’t ignore it either.

Many notices are simply requests for clarification or updates and can often be resolved quickly when addressed early.

Strong communities are built through partnership.

A special thank you to our major sponsors and partners:
✔️ Chester County United Way
✔️ Vanguard
✔️ Chester County
✔️ Life Transforming Ministries

Your support helps make free tax preparation and financial education accessible to individuals and families throughout Chester County.

Because of strong partnerships, stronger communities are possible.

Even though tax season has ended, now is the perfect time to start preparing for next year.

VITA shares year-round tax tips, IRS updates, and financial preparation resources to help individuals and families stay informed.

NOW IS THE BEST TIME TO PREPARE FOR NEXT TAX SEASON.

One of the biggest causes of refund delays is missing paperwork.

Start a simple tax folder now and keep:
✔️ W-2s
✔️ 1099s
✔️ IRS letters
✔️ Childcare expense records
✔️ Education documents
✔️ Bank account information

A little preparation throughout the year can make tax season much less stressful.

VITA is here to help our community stay informed and prepared year-round.

VITA is about more than filing taxes.

We help people:
✔️ Understand tax documents
✔️ Claim credits they qualify for
✔️ Avoid costly filing mistakes
✔️ Navigate IRS letters and questions
✔️ Keep more of what they earned

Free services. Real impact. Make sure you click Follow and tag a friend so they can take advantage of all VITA has to offer.