Tri Counties Bank Helps Low-Income California Taxpayers Secure More Than $1 Million in Tax Refunds

CHICO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Tri Counties Bank, in partnership with the Community Action Partnership of Kern (CAPK), San Francisco Housing Development Corporation (SFHDC), United Way of Northern California, United Way California Capital Region, United Way Fresno and Madera Counties, and VITA at JEDI (Jefferson Economic Development Institute), announced that its 2026 Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program helped more than 600 low-income families across Northern and Central California receive a total of $1,269,012 in tax refunds.

In 2026, Tri Counties Bank’s VITA partnerships served California communities across 10 counties, including Shasta, Butte, San Francisco and Kern. The bank hosted VITA services at 15 branches, providing volunteers and intake services, and contributed funding for additional community-based locations. Assistance was offered in both English and Spanish at select sites.

Established by the IRS in 1969, the VITA program provides free tax preparation services for:

• Individuals earning $69,000 or less;
• People with disabilities; and
• Taxpayers with limited English proficiency.

“Financial accessibility is at the core of our mission at Tri Counties Bank,” said Danna Prater, Vice President and Director of Community Development. “By hosting VITA sites in our branches, we help ensure that working families receive their maximum refunds and build confidence to plan for their financial future.”

This marks Tri Counties Bank’s third consecutive year of participation in the VITA program. By offering these essential services, the bank helps eligible individuals receive their full refunds without the burden of costly preparation fees. With the average tax preparation cost for a California resident at $471, the program saved participating families an estimated total of $282,600 in fees.

For more information about the IRS VITA program, visit www.irs.gov/vita.

About Tri Counties Bank

Established in 1975, Tri Counties Bank is a wholly-owned subsidiary of TriCo Bancshares (NASDAQ: TCBK), headquartered in Chico, California with corporate offices in Roseville, South San Francisco, and Bakersfield, with assets of nearly $10 billion and 50 years of financial stability. Tri Counties Bank is dedicated to providing exceptional service for individuals and businesses throughout California with more than 75 locations, advanced mobile and online banking, and access to approximately 40,000 surcharge-free ATMs nationwide. As California’s Local Bank, Tri Counties Bank prioritizes serving clients with local bankers and local decision-making, backed by corporate philanthropy, community engagement, employee volunteerism and investments. Recognized by various publications as among the Top Workplaces and Best Banks, Tri Counties Bank recruits and retains diverse and talented team members. Visit TriCountiesBank.com to learn more. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender. NMLS #458732.