Indianapolis, IN (November 7, 2025) — Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service (Purdue Extension) is proud to announce it has been awarded the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Grant sponsored by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for the upcoming tax season. This funding supports free, high-quality tax preparation services for individuals and families with low-to-moderate incomes, seniors, persons with disabilities, and those with limited English proficiency.
Purdue Extension will significantly expand the VITA service area with this grant funding. In addition to continuing our established support in Daviess, Delaware, Howard, Tipton, and Shelby counties, Purdue Extension will now also provide support to Marion, Boone, Hendricks, and Morgan counties. This expansion allows Purdue Extension to further its mission to deliver practical, research-based information that enhances lives and livelihoods.
"The VITA program is a critical resource to ensure individuals and families receive access to free, high-quality tax preparation services by certified and dedicated volunteers. As a VITA tax preparer for the last 10 years, I have seen firsthand the impact this program has on keeping resources in neighborhoods, and I am grateful for Purdue Extension’s leadership in stepping up and administering the program going forward,” said Andy Nielsen, City-County Councilor for District 14. “I look forward to this partnership and am committed to VITA's continued success and growth in Marion County and Indianapolis."
Community members are encouraged to contact Ashley Piland, Extension Educator and VITA program Lead, by email at wood246@purdue.edu or by phone 317-275-9253, for questions regarding VITA site locations, operating dates, and volunteer opportunities.
About Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service (Purdue Extension)
Purdue Extension connects the people of Indiana with research-based education from Purdue University. Serving all 92 counties, Purdue Extension supports individuals, families, businesses, and communities through programs in agriculture, health and human sciences, economic development, and 4-H youth development.
About the VITA Program
The VITA program has a long-standing history rooted in community support and financial empowerment. Launched nationwide by the IRS in 1969, VITA was created to ensure eligible taxpayers could file accurate returns and access key credits, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and the Child Tax Credit (CTC). By partnering with community organizations, colleges, libraries, and nonprofits, VITA sites provide trusted, no-cost tax preparation services led by trained, certified volunteers. These services help strengthen families' financial stability and contribute millions of dollars to local economies each year.