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Primary Sponsor

Last Action

Ref to the Com on Appropriations, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House2026-04-29

Vote Breakdown

No floor votes recorded.

Plain Language Summary

This bill creates a grant program at North Carolina community colleges to train students as tax preparers through the federal Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, while also providing funding to United Way of North Carolina to expand VITA services. The bill aims to help low-income North Carolinians claim federal tax credits they are eligible for but currently do not claim.

Arguments in Favor

• •Supporters argue the bill helps approximately 225,000 eligible North Carolinians claim an average of $2,894 in Earned Income Tax Credits they are missing, returning money to working families and boosting the local economy.
• •The bill also provides work-based learning opportunities for community college students while addressing a community need, creating trained tax preparers and expanding access to free tax preparation services in underserved areas.

Arguments Against

• •Opponents may question whether the state should fund federal tax credit awareness and preparation services, arguing this is primarily a federal responsibility.
• •Some may also be concerned about the total cost ($2.83 million) and whether community colleges are the most efficient delivery mechanism, or whether these funds could be better used for other state priorities or would be more effective if directed differently.