The Lowcountry Area Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Coalition was formed in 2008.  The Coalition represents a partnership between the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), United Way of the Lowcountry, Beaufort County government, numerous sponsors, partner organizations, and volunteers.  When this effort began, the IRS estimated that Beaufort County taxpayers were leaving $4 million in tax credits unclaimed.  Since then the Coalition has prepared more than 14,000 tax returns and contributed more than $30 million to the local economy by helping taxpayers secure tax refunds.