The nonprofit organization United Way of Connecticut launched a statewide campaign, “Get Your Refund CT,” with the purpose of helping Connecticut families claim enhanced COVID tax benefits that they were owed from 2021, according to a United Way press release. The United Way of Connecticut claimed that the campaign connected more than 400 families with free tax preparation services that helped them receive over $500,000 in unclaimed COVID benefits.
Though the campaign lasted from September through November 2024, the organization said it is still providing free assistance for filing taxes and claiming COVID benefits throughout the 2025 season.
“Although the Campaign has ended, it is important to note that many of these Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) professionals work year-round to help file back taxes, and more will be available to help in January for the 2025 season,” United Way of Connecticut wrote in their press release.
Since earlier this month, United Way of Connecticut has been offering pre-registration for free tax preparation appointments. The link to the pre-registration questionnaire is on their website, though tax filers can also call 2-1-1 and press “Option 3,” followed by “Option 6,” to schedule an appointment.
The enhanced COVID federal tax benefits, as explained on the organization’s website, are regarding the 2021 Child Tax Credit, provided by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the Internal Revenue Service website, the 2021 Child Tax Credit allows benefits of up to $3,600 for each qualifying child. Eligible families have until this year’s Tax Day, which is April 15, 2025, to fill out a federal tax return and claim the credit.
According to the United Way of Connecticut’s website, anyone who is unsure whether they filed a tax return or are eligible for the refunds can contact 860-590-8910 or visit SimplifyCT’s website with questions.
The United Way of Connecticut’s website also includes answers to frequently asked questions regarding topics such as how much money Connecticut residents can expect to receive, how tax filing would affect other government-provided benefits, the impact of tax filing on immigration status and what to do if someone does not have a Social Security number.
The organization’s website also claims that if someone makes up to $67,000 a year, has a disability or speaks limited English, they can work with an IRS-certified tax preparer to assist in claiming cash benefits. Additionally, the IRS website has a tax withholding estimator that tax filers can use to determine if they will get a refund or have due balance.
United Way of Connecticut’s campaign is a partnership with other state tax preparation and financial assistance programs including SimplifyCT; Advancing Connecticut Together; the Village for Children and Families; Human Resources Agency of New Britain and the United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut, Coastal and Western Connecticut, Greater New Haven and Greater Waterbury, according to the press release. Additionally, The Connecticut Project and the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood funded the campaign.