Levi Pearson Scholarship Foundation - Volunteer Recognition Ceremony for the 2021 VITA Tax Program

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On May 23, 2021, the Levi Pearson Scholarship Foundation, and the City of Manning, recognized the 2021 volunteer tax preparers and several local community partners for all of their dedication and support with the 2021 VITA Tax Program in Clarendon County. The event took place at the Harvin Clarendon County Library, located at 215 N. Brooks, Manning. Due to COVID-19, this tax season brought about a different look for the services provided. Tax documents can be dropped off to be prepared and all locations were by appointment only. Clients were contacted for pickup once taxes had been completed and COVID-19 guidelines were executed. Such adjustments were executed efficiently and seamlessly, and with the support of local community partners such as the Clarendon Branch of the NAACP and the Harvin Clarendon County Library, and a multitude of Certified VITA Tax Preparers, the LPSF 2021 VITA tax season saw continued growth and touched more lives than ever. Pastor Arthur Moyd, Site Coordinator at the Manning VITA Tax Center reported for the tax year of 2019 VITA volunteers prepared a total of 149 tax returns. However, for the tax year 2020 VITA volunteers surpassed this goal and prepared a total of 285 federal tax returns even through the pandemic. Subsequently, the LPSF VITA Tax sites provided the continued ability to help serve our communities. In addition, the Economic Impact for Clarendon County totaled over $472,000 in federal refund dollars. Finally, Frank Nolden, the United States Department of Treasury Director, also recognized the efforts of all the volunteers and extended gratitude for all that was done this tax season. Nolden expressed “With pride and honor, I personally extend a sincere thank you for your continued support of the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)...Your support is remarkable, and it is my hope that together we will continue to cultivate our success in providing this noble service to American taxpayers in the coming years.” In conjunction with the LPSF, the VITA program provided free basic income tax return preparation to qualified individuals in our local communities. IRS-certified volunteers were on hand to inform taxpayers about special tax credits for which they may qualify, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, and Credit for the Elderly. The LPSF strives to collectively uplift our community and enhance the lives of all Clarendon County residents, programs such as VITA Tax allow the Foundation to continually give and support our citizens.