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Consumer Resource Center

Tax Time Opportunities and Financial Education Resources: Building Consumer Savings and Banking Relationships

Event Date
Tuesday, January 27, 2026, 1–2:30 p.m. ET
Location
Webinar

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation will host a national webinar for banks and community-based organizations to help more low- and moderate-income consumers: 

  • Access free tax preparation services by Internal Revenue Service (IRS) certified preparers;
  • Receive their tax refunds via direct deposit into an insured bank account; and
  • Increase awareness about the phase out of IRS tax refund paper checks.

In support of the upcoming Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Awareness Day, this webinar will raise awareness about the EITC as well as the Child Tax Credit and Additional Child Tax Credit, so taxpayers can lower their taxes and get the largest refund for which they qualify.

In addition, representatives from non-profit VITA providers and a bank will discuss how they have collaborated to help unbanked tax filers open accounts and how they have leveraged free FDIC Money Smart financial education resources. These resources help consumers set financial goals, create spending and savings plans, build emergency funds by leveraging tax refunds, and maintain positive banking relationships.

Presenters:

  • Natalia Thaniel, Public Affairs Specialist, Tax Outreach Partnership and Education (TOPE), Internal Revenue Service
  • Kristi King-Brock, Executive Director, AIM Charities
  • Renee Fields-York, Financial Sales Manager II, Vice President, First Citizens Bank
  • Erika Toriz-Kurkjian, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Haven Neighborhood Services
  • Elizabeth Ortiz, Deputy Director, Consumer and Community Affairs, FDIC
  • Victor Galloway, Community Affairs Specialist, FDIC
  • Cristina Miranda, Senior Consumer Education Specialist, FDIC
  • Mia Sowell, Senior Program Specialist – Account Access, Community Affairs, FDIC

When:

Tuesday, January 27, 2026 from 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM ET 

Where:

Webinar, registration information provided below.

Who Should Attend:

Bankers, Community Development Financial Institutions, nonprofits, state, local, and federal government entities, and other organizations are encouraged to attend. Particularly, we encourage organizations to attend who are interested in helping LMI households maximize their tax credits, receive their tax refunds at no cost via direct deposit into an insured bank account, and learn about tools and resources to help consumers save money during tax season. Bankers interested in opportunities to receive favorable CRA consideration for offering affordable accounts, providing financial education to LMI tax filers, and performing VITA-related activities are also encouraged to attend.

Registration Information:

To register online, click Register and fill out the needed information. You will receive a confirmation email once completed.

REGISTER

Contact Information:

If you have any questions about the event, please email Community Affairs at: CommunityAffairs@fdic.gov 

Additional Resources:

 

Last Updated: December 22, 2025