During tax season at United Way of Erie County, people come in carrying documents they’ve gathered over time — W-2s, 1099s, benefit statements and handwritten notes, according to a news release.

Some are working families and seniors and for the first time, are filing without paying a preparer, the release said.

The residents sit with volunteers who have completed IRS certification, intake forms are reviewed and information is verified.

Returns are prepared carefully and checked for accuracy.

This work takes place through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (VITA/TCE) program, the release said.

The program operates within United Way’s United For Action ALICE Financial Empowerment Initiative, which focuses on households that are Asset Limited, Income Constrained, and Employed — families whose financial margin is often narrow despite steady work.

Inside the same space, there also are students, the release said.

Through partnerships with local schools, including Sandusky High School, students participate in the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance and Tax Counseling for the Elderly program after completing required training and passing IRS certification exams.

The students are not present as observers; they are held to the same standards as all volunteers, the release said.

This season, two seniors at Sandusky High School reached specific certification milestones.

Elijah Murria passed his Basic Tax Preparation certification, qualifying him to assist with preparing tax returns, the release said.

Miguel Marquez Umbarila passed his Intake and Interview certification and is preparing to take his Basic Tax Preparation exam, which will allow him to assist with return preparation, according to the release.

As returns are prepared, money moves in measurable ways.

Refunds are issued, credits are claimed and filing fees are avoided.

For many households, this moment determines whether they regain ground or absorb another setback, the release said.

At the same time, learning takes place inside the work itself.

“I believe those who are capable have the obligation to uplift individuals who need it,” Elijah said in the release. Become apart of something larger than yourself and people you know.

“Being apart of the tax program at United Way has given me insight on the tax process that I lacked previous to my time here.”

That experience also is visible beyond the tax site, the release said.

“I am so proud of Elijah for becoming a part and standing for something beyond himself,” said Elijah’s mother, Christina Murria, in the release. “Elijah is such a hard working and dedicated young man, truly deserving of every certification he achieves.

“He has always been such a light in our lives and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for him. Being proud is an understatement, I’m blessed to witness this greatness! I’ll love him always.”

E.J. Brinson, executive director of United Way of Erie County, said the work reflects how the organization approaches financial empowerment in practice.

“VITA and TCE create a space where people can get their taxes done correctly while others are learning how the system works by being part of it,” Brinson said in the release. “That matters — because financial stability isn’t built in theory.

“It’s built in moments like these.”

United Way launched the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance and Tax Counseling for the Elderly program with a deliberate approach: operate efficiently, build structure and ensure the program could continue beyond a single season.

In its first year, the program exceeded its tax preparation goal, established a guiding committee, and raised additional funding to support continued operation, the release said.

That structure now allows the work to repeat with consistency, according to the release.

To volunteer for the VITA/TCE program, email staff@uweriecounty.org.