Strengthening community development through VITA

It’s tax season once again, and GECU is proud to continue its work with the Coalition for Family Economic Progress through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program. VITA is an impactful, free service that supports qualifying households across the region.

We at GECU are honored to be part of VITA as it continues to expand access to opportunity, resources and support throughout Southern New Mexico.

Last year marked a significant milestone when VITA expanded its presence into Las Cruces for the first time. That inaugural effort focused on two locations and introduced free, in-person tax preparation services to a vital community in the Borderland. This year, that commitment to Southern New Mexico has grown even further.

For the 2026 tax season, VITA has expanded from two to three locations in Las Cruces, adding the Munson Senior Center alongside returning sites at New Mexico State University and the Thomas Branigan Library. This expansion reflects a continued investment in meeting residents where they are and ensuring free tax preparation remains accessible to individuals and families across the region.

Tax season can be overwhelming, particularly for households navigating complex financial situations or living on limited incomes. VITA helps ease that burden by offering free, in-person tax preparation provided by Internal Revenue Service-certified, bilingual volunteers.

These volunteers are trained not only to prepare accurate returns, but also to help taxpayers understand the process and claim the credits they are entitled to, often resulting in meaningful financial relief.

Programs like VITA are essential to community development because they keep resources local. Each year, VITA saves qualifying households millions of dollars in tax preparation fees, money that stays in the community and helps cover necessities such as housing, utilities, transportation and groceries. These savings ripple outward, supporting local businesses and contributing to greater economic stability throughout Southern New Mexico.

VITA also plays a critical role in connecting residents to credits such as the Earned Income Tax Credit, which can significantly boost refunds for working individuals and families. Many eligible taxpayers are unaware they qualify for these credits, and VITA volunteers help ensure those funds are not left unclaimed. When refunds are returned to households, they strengthen not only individual financial security, but the broader local economy as well.

Beyond serving taxpayers, VITA creates opportunities for students and community members to gain real-world experience while giving back. Volunteers develop professional skills, earn IRS certifications and build a deeper understanding of service and civic engagement. That combination of workforce development and community support is at the heart of sustainable economic growth.

The continued expansion of VITA in Las Cruces reflects a shared commitment to financial empowerment and community well-being in Southern New Mexico. As the program grows, so does its impact, ensuring more residents have access to free, trusted tax preparation close to home.

VITA services are available on a first-come, first-served basis. To find a Las Cruces location, see dates and times, and view a list of what documents to bring, visit freetaxeselpaso.org.

Linda Nuñez is the assistant vice president of GECU Community Development.