United Way VITA Program Kicks off Tax Season

SOUTH BEND, Ind. - Jan. 21, 2014 - PRLog -- Starting January 23, United Way VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) IRS-certified volunteers will prepare and e-file taxes for free. To be eligible for free tax preparation through VITA, you must be an Elkhart, Kosciusko, Marshall, LaPorte or St. Joseph County resident with an adjusted income of $52,000 or less.

There are several ways eligible individuals can prepare and e-file their taxes. By dialing 2-1-1, taxpayers can make one-on-one appointments with IRS-certified tax preparers. Qualifying taxpayers have the opportunity to file their taxes by using United Way’s Free Assisted Self-Service Tax Preparation (FAST) computer stations, located at VITA sites. Federal and state taxes can also be filed from home by using the free program at www.myfreetaxes.com/uwtaxhelp for individuals or families with a combined income under $58,000.

"In the 2012-2013 tax season, we had an 82% increase in filing tax returns compared to the previous season," said Dawn Chapla, Director of Labor & Financial Stability at United Way of St. Joseph County. "United Way is so pleased to be able to help our working families across our communities keep their refund dollars working for them."

Call 2-1-1 between 8am-5pm, Monday-Friday to schedule your appointment. For more information about VITA and to schedule an appointment online, visit uwsjc.org/vita (http://www.uwsjc.org/vita) or www.unitedwaytaxhelp.org.

Financial Stability Division is part of United Way of St. Joseph County’s Pro$perity Building Campaign. Through the Pro$perity Building Campaign, United Way is working to meet basic needs, build family support systems, increase income, build savings and gain and sustain assets.

United Way of St. Joseph County is a nonprofit organization working to advance the common good by focusing on education, income and health. It works closely with 57 local agency programs to meet the community needs of St. Joseph County.