A Brief History:

In 2006, BRASS, Inc. was approached by representatives from the Inernal Revenue Service and asked to be a Champion in establishing an asset building coalition that would include free tax preparation sites and promote the Earned Income Tax Credit, while operating under an existing federal program called the VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) program. Recognizing the positive impact that the VITA program would have on clients and low/moderate income families throughout the community, BRASS, Inc. began the coalition as one of their anti-poverty initiatives. They called on support from other non-profit agencies and local businesses in the region. The community partnership that was formed was the Barren River Asset Building Coalition.

In the coalition's first tax season ('06), we opened five VITA sites; serving only two counties. But for the past three years, the Barren River Asset Building Coalition has been expanding its service region and gaining new support from the community. We have been very successful in helping thousands of low/moderate income taxpayers file their taxes for free. Last tax season, the coalition opened 9 VITA sites, serving 7 counties (Allen, Barren, Edmonson, Green, Hart, Logan, and Warren). For the first time ever, the BRABC returned over 1 million dollars in federal refunds to those communities. This year, the coalition is coordinating efforts to set up permanent VITA sites in Monroe and Simpson Counties.

In addition to offering free tax preparation, each VITA customer receives a packet that contains information on financial opportunities that they may qualified for. The positive influence that this program has had in people's lives further motivates us to continue assisting hard working taxpayers with saving money and ultimately realizing economic self-sufficiency.