Entergy celebrates 10 years of Super Tax Day program
Entergy recently celebrated the tenth year of holdings its free Super Tax Day events, which help qualifying customers claim the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC).
Since 2009, the program has helped nearly 150,000 working families receive $258 million in EITC refunds.
“At Entergy, our vision ‘We Power Life’ means working together to improve lives, create opportunities, strengthen communities and proactively find solutions for customers facing economic challenges,” Entergy Chairman and CEO Leo Denault said. “By supporting Super Tax Day, Entergy and our partners are not only extending a helping hand to working families but also investing in a brighter future for our communities.”
Entergy started supporting Super Tax Day events in 2005 and began tracking results in select locations a few years later. Entergy launched the first Super Tax Day campaign throughout its service area in 2011. That year, approximately 9,600 customers received nearly $13 million in EITC refunds.
Today, total annual refunds exceed approximately $30 million, and total returns are more than 18,000. Entergy sponsors approximately 300 Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites where customers across its four-state service area can receive free tax prep services.
“The work Entergy has done with our Super Tax Day partners has been life-changing for customers and communities,” Entergy Texas President and CEO Sallie Rainer said. “Through the years, we’ve expanded our partnership networks to serve more customers at Voluntary Income Tax Assistance sites, and we continue seeing the positive difference it makes for families in Southeast Texas who qualify for the EITC program.”
Entergy has worked with partners to expand the services available on Super Tax Day, such as financial coaching, budget workshops, free legal services, drop-off tax prep services and more. Participating banks have helped customers open savings accounts onsite at some VITA locations.
This year, 124 Entergy employees logged nearly 3,500 volunteer hours helping customers file taxes.
“Our efforts wouldn’t be possible without the participation and enthusiasm of our employees,” Rainer said. “They volunteer as certified tax preparers and serve in a variety of support roles. The amount of preparation and teamwork that goes into our Super Tax Day events is truly amazing and a testament to Entergy’s leadership in the communities we serve.”
