RICHMOND, Ind.–Natco Credit Union is reporting its Natco Community Empowerment Center (NCEC) prepared and submitted a record 1,158 tax returns for members and others during the recent tax season.
The NCEC provides free basic tax preparation services to community members in the Richmond and Connersville, Ind., areas and has been a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) site since 2016.
In total, this year’s federal refunds were $1.5 million and state refunds were $185,000.
Noting the average fee to prepare a tax return is $43, individuals and families saved $497,940 in fees, the credit union said, adding the community also benefits when the fees saved are spent locally.
“The Natco Community Empowerment Center provides various no-cost programs and services to members of our community, including providing a connection to local immediate need resources/assistance programs, job seeking assistance, money management counseling, financial counseling, trainings/classes/workshops and more,” the CU said.
All services are individualized and based around the needs and plans of the individual, the CU said.
NCEC is owned and operated by Natco Credit Union, with its programs and services provided in part through funding from the United Way, Whitewater Valley REMC, and other grants.