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Local VITA volunteers prepare 1,200 returns and secure $1.86M in refunds for Riley County taxpayers
Summary
Riley County K-State Extension reported roughly 1,200 tax returns prepared this season by 17 volunteers (about 1,454 volunteer hours), resulting in about $1.86 million in refunds and more than $500,000 in Earned Income Credit accessed by low- and moderate-income residents.
Dale Scutches of the Riley County K-State Extension Office and Sue Simmons, VITA site coordinator, told commissioners the county's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program filed roughly 1,200 returns this season with 17 volunteers contributing about 1,454 hours.
Scutches said the site helped taxpayers access approximately $1.86 million in refunds and over $500,000 in Earned Income Credit benefits. "If you average out the average cost of tax refunds about $200 per return, we'd be saving Riley County citizens ... $239,000 of actual hard money," he said, describing the program's benefit to low- and moderate-income households and retired and active military.
Simmons described the program as both a tax-preparation service and an educational opportunity, noting volunteers help clients understand withholding, track receipts for gig work, and respond to IRS or state notices after filing. Commissioners praised the program and thanked partners including Konza United Way and the Manhattan Public Library for providing space and support.
