FROM THE CEO, JENNIFER VENTIMIGLIA

Tax season is here, and while many of us are busy gathering receipts and hoping for a refund, it’s a good time to highlight a tax-related benefit that directly impacts you: Fortera’s tax-exempt status as a not-for-profit financial cooperative.

Unlike banks, we don’t answer to shareholders. Fortera and other credit unions exist solely to serve you, our members. That means every dollar we earn goes back into better loan rates, lower fees, and stronger financial services for our community.

Because of this status, we can:

• offer lower loan rates and higher savings returns.
• reduce fees to help keep more money in your pocket.
• invest in financial education and community programs that better lives.

This structure is what sets credit unions apart – and it is under attack. Right now, there are efforts to change the tax laws that allow credit unions to provide these benefits. If credit unions were taxed like for-profit banks, it could reduce the financial benefits you enjoy and limit the support we provide to our communities.

That’s why we’re asking for your voice. It only takes a minute to let lawmakers know why protecting the credit union tax exemption matters to you. You can send a quick message to Congress here:

https://www.donttaxmycreditunion.org/#take-action

At Fortera, we’re proud to put people before profit—not just during tax season, but all year long. Thank you for being part of our credit union family.

Sincerely,

Jennifer Ventimiglia