The United Way of Southwest Michigan is drawing attention to its tax preparation service.

Now that another tax season has passed, the United Way says the results of the most recent Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program, or VITA, show that it has made a large difference. 

With more than 45 volunteers assisting with income tax preparation for at least 1,100 clients in southwest Michigan this year, a total of $1.3 million was brought back to the local economy just through the program.

The program is intended to help those with middle or lower incomes to ensure they get all the tax credits they’re eligible for. WSJM says over 2,000 hours of service were spent helping those using the VITA program this year.