Native VITA Sites: Linking Tax Returns and Asset Building Strategies

Asset Building

In this project with the Kathryn M. Buder Center for American Indian Studies, we  examined the uptake and potential uses of Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) dollars by Native people. Surveys conducted at fourteen Native community organizations currently providing free tax preparation services found that most planned to use their refunds for personal expenses. Many community members, however, expressed strong interest in learning about matched savings accounts, homeownership and financial management education, particularly credit counseling. The findings provide insight into the kinds of community infrastructure and programs that help dollars stay in a community and help citizens leverage their financial resources. 

Funding Partner: Annie E. Casey Foundation

Principal Investigator

Michael Sherraden

Michael Sherraden

CSD Founding Director,
George Warren Brown Distinguished University Professor

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