Granite United Way’s income tax preparation efforts on behalf of seniors and other residents in its coverage area resulted in more than $5.5 million in tax refunds to some 3,900 clients who got help with their filings for the 2011 tax year.

That sum included $1.2 million in earned-income tax credits, according to the agency’s administrators.

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program is designed to help seniors and other individuals and families who earn low- to moderate-income.

Patrick Tufts, president and CEO of Granite United Way, said he hoped the word would spread about the effectiveness of the VITA program, which includes his agency in partnership with the American Association of Retired Persons, New Hampshire Tax-Aide and Southern New Hampshire University.

“Hardworking families may not be aware of credits like the earned-income tax credit, which help to improve their financial stability and economic independence. This is yet another reason why VITA programs are essential for not only improving personal financial well-being, but also stimulating the local economy,” Tufts said.

This year’s program had sites in Manchester, Derry, Salem, Concord, Lisbon and Gorham, at which tax assistance was available from Feb. 1 through April 15. The program was underwritten by a $15,000 grant from the Wal-Mart Foundation and a $5,000 grant from Salem Co-operative Bank.

“We know that VITA programs are essential for many families and communities and, as a result, we were pleased to be a part of this important initiative,” said Ann Lally, Salem Co-operative’s president.

Each year, the program provides trained volunteer tax preparers who help clients —free of charge — complete and electronically file their tax returns.

That saves them significantly on tax preparation fees, and the volunteers also explain special credits and deductions available and how to claim them.

For information on Granite United Way and its community partners, go to graniteuw.org.

Bob Hookway may be reached at bhookway@newstote.com.bhookway@newstote.com