VITA
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance
In Partnership with the Internal Revenue Service and Virginia CASH Campaign

From January 25, 2010 – April 15, 2010 The Improvement Association will be offering free income tax preparation primarily to residents of Sussex, Surry, Brunswick, and Greensville/ Emporia. 
WHO is eligible?
Families with income up to $44,000 may qualify for free service.  Individuals with income from stocks or business income more than $5,000 or with an anticipated loss should consult a paid preparer.

WHAT should I bring?

  1. Picture I.D., social security cards or Tax I.D. for all dependents
  2. All W-2 and 1099 forms or any end-of-year statements from any income sources
  3. Records/receipts of any expenses for tax credits and other deductions, e.g. child care, education, etc.
  4. A copy of last year’s return, if available

WHEN and WHERE?
The Improvement Association Emporia Office
1750 E. Atlantic Street
Emporia, VA 23847

Hours:  Monday, Tuesday        10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday – Friday   10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

For an appointment, call (434) 634-2490 x226.
Walk-ins welcome, however, those with appointments will be taken first.

The Improvement Association Waverly Office
305 N. Main Street
Waverly, VA 23890

Hours:  Tuesdays         9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

For an appointment, call (804) 834-3522
Walk-ins are welcome, however, those with appointments will be taken first.

HISTORY

In 1965, a group of black community leaders and concerned citizens of Sussex County met at the Galilee Baptist Church in Stony Creek, Virginia with “Scope Workers” and formed the Sussex County Improvement Association.  The primary purpose of the organization was to increase the number of eligible blacks and women registered voters in the county and address the other racial and injustices throughout Sussex County.  

In 1968, The Improvement Association established an emergency food and medical nutrition program.  The purpose of the program was to curtail problems of hunger and malnutrition by providing self-help programs.  The agency’s strategy was to involve the total community in solving community programs through the use of self-help initiatives.  These services were offered to persons regardless of race, creed or color.

On April 25, 1979, the agency became incorporated as The Sussex County Improvement Association, Inc. and, subsequently, received its 501(c) 3 designation from the IRS.  One year later on October 22, 1980, the agency held a public hearing in the Sussex General District Courtroom for the purpose of exploring the benefits of becoming a Community Action Agency as designated by the President Johnson’s “War on Poverty”.   During this time, the agency expanded its services to include transportation for the elderly, services for individuals with disabilities and conducting survey’s to alleviate outside toilets.  The agency’s annual budget was $52, 191. 
The agency received its full designation in 1982 as a non-profit community action agency.  The agency also expanded the scope of services and programs to serve Surry, Greensville, & Brunswick Counties and the City of Emporia.  Services included:

  • Summer jobs program                             
  • Alternative education programs for youth
  • Job placement programs for adults
  • Free tax preparation assistance
  • Head Start Program
  • Homeless Intervention Program

Today The Improvement Association’s budget is in excess of 3 million dollars with approximately 35 employees.  The Improvement Association’s Board of Directors is still committed to providing comprehensive services to combat poverty and its causes throughout Southside Virginia.