A credit union is a member-owned, not-for-profit financial institution. Because a credit union is owned by its members and does not have stockholders, it returns earnings to members in the form of more competitive rates of return on accounts and loans, lower fees and improved services.

More than two million Wisconsin residents belong to credit unions - cooperatives distinguished by their:

• Purpose – to serve members
  
• Governance – volunteer directors elected by members
  
• Member benefits – earnings invested in members and the community
  
• Values – in people, not profits

How credit unions are helping tax filers

At volunteer tax preparation sites around Wisconsin, credit unions are:

• Opening accounts for filers to facilitate direct deposit
• Preparing tax forms
• Teaching filers about helpful asset-building strategies to improve their financial position
• Providing office space for site locations
• Supplying sites with needed materials like office supplies