United Bank received an honorable mention in The Independent Community Bankers of America’s® (ICBA) 2019 National Community Bank Service Awards, which celebrate the outstanding and innovative volunteer efforts of the nation’s community banks. United Bank was recognized for its Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, which provides tax preparation and financial management education for local citizens.
“Helping residents understand the tax code, make sound financial decisions, build a financial nest egg and plan for the future is a natural fit with our mission and role as trusted financial advisors,” said Bob Jones, President and CEO at United Bank. “We are honored by this recognition from ICBA as we endeavor to strengthen the communities in which we live and work.”
United Bank branches have been designated tax prep or drop-off sites under VITA, which offers federal and state tax filing assistance to the elderly and disabled taxpayers as well as those with low-to-moderate incomes and limited English proficiency. Since the program’s inception, United Bank has provided more than 4,300 support hours (averaging 67 hours per volunteer), saving customers an estimated $130,800 in tax preparation expenses.
“ICBA is proud to recognize the extraordinary contributions of United Bank and its employees, which demonstrate the vital role community banks serve in helping local communities prosper,” said ICBA President and CEO Rebeca Romero Rainey. “United Bank’s dedication to community bank principles, and unwavering support for its customers and communities, serves as a shining example for our industry.”