Executive Director Message

MATCH and TRPA Bring

VITA to Mountain Taxpayers

During a busy tax season, the MATCH (McDowell Access to Care and Health) and TRPA (Toe River Project Access) teams provided free tax preparation services throughout McDowell, Avery, Mitchell, and Yancey Counties through the VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) program.

VITA services offer free preparation and e-filing of federal and state tax returns for families earning below $70,000 annually. The assistance includes screening for Earned Income Credits (EIC), Educational, Elderly/Disabled, and Child Tax Credits (CTC) to maximize refunds. MATCH and TRPA team members completed advanced training through the IRS to become certified with the VITA program.

MATCH Brings VITA to Individuals and Families in McDowell County

Through the MATCH VITA program in McDowell County, hundreds of local residents received free, reliable, and personalized tax filing support this year, along with access to a wide range of essential services.

This year, 407 McDowell County residents were served by the MATCH VITA program, resulting in a total of $658,261 in state and federal refunds returned to the community. “That’s money going directly into the hands of families helping to cover rent, groceries, gas, and savings,” says MATCH Program Manager Amy Stevens.

Over the course of the season, 16 tax clinics were held across the county in partnership with trusted community partners, including West Marion, Marion East, and Old Fort Community Forums (programs of West Marion, Inc.); McDowell County Public Library; NC Works; Centro Unido; and IPHC en Español.

These clinics brought services directly into neighborhoods, ensuring that more residents—especially those facing transportation, language, or technology barriers—gained access to free and expert tax assistance.

More Than Just Free Tax Filing

The impact goes far beyond the 1040 form, as Amy explains. “Many participants were connected to additional resources, including Medicaid enrollment; SNAP (Food and Nutrition) benefits; ACA Marketplace health insurance; Hurricane Helene Resources; Food Support; and Health Opportunities Pilot Programs. In addition, we were able to help many individuals manage IRS account setup, allowing them to view tax transcripts, set up payment plans, or arrange tax debt payments.”

Amy emphasizes that taxpayers who missed the April deadline still have time to access VITA. “The MATCH VITA site will remain open through October, providing support for late tax filings, accessing missed refunds, and setting up payment arrangements with the IRS.” She notes that there is no penalty for late filing if the taxpayer is due a refund.

To make an appointment with the MATCH VITA site, call 828-659-5289.

TRPA Team Helps Alleviate the Stress of Tax Preparation

This tax season brought additional stressors to many in the Toe River Valley who were already faced with challenges of rebuilding homes and businesses lost to Helene. “So many are working hard to rebuild their lives while trying to save every penny possible,” says Miki Pontorno, TRPA Program Coordinator. “I feel proud to have been able to help—even in small ways—to alleviate some of the mental and financial stress.”

This year’s tax filing season was initially extended until May 1, 2025, due to Western North Carolina being named a federally declared disaster area following the storm (the deadline to file has since been extended to September 25, 2025 for WNC residents). The extension was beneficial to those who had sustained extensive property damage and lost important tax documents, allowing them more time to obtain duplicates.

Miki recognizes the impact VITA has on individuals and families. “One couple came for help with their tax filing after having lost two small businesses. We were glad to step in and support them, filing their 2024 taxes free of charge and ultimately saving them $500. They were so appreciative that they returned to us later for help with their 2023 tax returns, despite being late in filing. It’s always rewarding to lighten someone's burden, especially when it involves something as stressful as taxes.”

TRPA Enrollment Specialist Pahola Cruz provided much-needed VITA help to those who filed using an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) — the number issued by the IRS to individuals who do not have a Social Security number.

She shares the story of one taxpayer who had not filed her taxes in the previous year due to fear and a lack of understanding of the tax return process. “After talking with her and getting to know her situation, I realized she needed help filling out the intake form and had difficulty comprehending much of the information,” says Pahola. “I was able to guide her in filing her tax returns for both 2023 and 2024. She was incredibly relieved to learn that she didn't have to pay anything to have her taxes filed, nor did she owe anything. In fact, she received refunds for both years, which made her very happy.”

From February through April, the TRPA team facilitated a total of ten VITA events, with 96 returns completed. TRPA’s VITA work resulted in $31,000 in Child Tax Credits and Earned Income Credits a total of $95,890 in Federal and State refunds for taxpayers.

TRPA Named a SHIIP Site for Mitchell County

CareReach is pleased to announce that TRPA has been named a Senior’s Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) site for Mitchell County. SHIIP services are another essential resource TRPA can offer to those seeking to obtain health insurance. While TRPA is already assisting with ACA and Medicaid enrollment, SHIIP broadens their reach to serve more of the community.

“We’re in the early stages of planning Health Fair Events that will feature a session called Medicare Basics 101. This will be a fantastic opportunity for community members to gather and gain essential knowledge about Medicare.”

As Miki anticipates leading these informative sessions beginning in late summer, she shares her excitement for the opportunities she will have to make a difference for seniors in Mitchell County. “I can’t wait to engage with everyone and help them navigate this important aspect of healthcare!”

By providing trained, certified, unbiased information free of charge, SHIIP helps people enrolling in Medicare (or those needing to make changes to their current Medicare plan) understand the overwhelming array of options.

Congratulations to Miki and the TRPA team!

As a non-profit partner in the health and safety-net system of Western North Carolina, CareReach relies on the generous gifting of donors and supporters to sustain our vital work. While many in our community are faced with barriers and gaps in whole-person, coordinated health care, we work with these individuals to help them reach their health goals; through our collaboration with local partners, we help make clinical and community services more accessible to those who need them. 

Please consider making an investment in the health of our mountain communities. With your help we will reach our goal.