Over the past six weeks, more than 260 students from twelve college campuses across the state of Alabama prepared over 1,400 returns for working families – helping them to secure $1.7 million in tax refunds and saving them $280,000 in commercial tax preparation fees.

In just its second year of service, SaveFirst collaborated with more than 50 community partners in operating eight free tax prep sites in seven cities – Tuscaloosa, Birmingham, Montgomery, Mobile, Huntsville, Decatur, and Auburn.  Participating campuses include The University of Alabama, UAB, UA Huntsville, Birmingham-Southern College, Huntingdon College, University of South Alabama, Spring Hill College, Auburn University, Cumberland School of Law, Jones School of Law, Troy University-Montgomery and Calhoun Community College.

SaveFirst also provided resources and curricula for service-learning courses on campuses throughout the state.  These courses combined academic coursework with a requirement of service at SaveFirst sites, and enrolled students discussed and reflected on issues such as perceptions and misperceptions of those living in poverty and current policies affecting working families. 

We are grateful to all of our community partners and financial supporters.  We are also excited to announce new partnerships with Regions Bank and WBRC - Fox 6, both of which have been critical to the success of our second season.

For more information, or to join our effort, please contact Ms. Sarah Louise Smith, our SaveFirst Coordinator, at slsmith@impactalabama.org.