Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Appointments Begin January 4th

Dec. 29, 2010 - PRLog -- Each year, United Way of St Joseph County strives to help local families achieve financial stability through programs that provide free tax preparation, connections to savings products, and financial education.



The Tri-County Tax Team’s VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) Program, led by United Way of St. Joseph County, is an IRS-certified program which provides free e-filed income tax preparation to individuals and families with an adjusted gross income of less than $49,000.



Starting January 4th, individuals who meet the required qualifications can have their taxes prepared by an IRS-certified VITA/TCE Volunteer Preparer at one of the many VITA sites throughout St. Joseph, Marshall, Kosciusko and Elkhart Counties.



Benefits of filing at a VITA site:
•   Tax returns and electronic filing are free.
•   IRS-certified VITA/TCE Volunteer Preparers will help you determine if you’re eligible for various credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), State EITC, Education Credits, Child Tax Credit (CTC), Child and Dependent Care and First-Time Homebuyer Credits that will help you maximize your deductions and refund.
•   Filing electronically guarantees a quick refund (typically 7-14 days).
•   Maximizing credits and refunds helps put thousands of dollars back into our local economy.
•   All volunteer tax preparers are trained and certified.
•   All VITA sites are a welcoming environment, handicap accessible and guarantee complete confidentiality.

VITA can prepare tax returns that include the following: Wages, Unemployment, Social Security, most 1099’s, and Schedule C-EZ. VITA can NOT prepare tax returns for businesses, farms, rental property income, partnership income, inventory requiring itemization and the use of schedule C, or complex capital gains/losses.



Visit http://www.uwsjc.org/our-impact/vita for more information about VITA, a list of what to bring to a VITA site, how to volunteer, and financial resources including great tax tips.



For appointment dates, times and locations, contact 2-1-1.




United Way of St. Joseph County is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating long-lasting change, ensuring all residents have access to the building blocks to a better life: education, income and health. For more information about United Way of St. Joseph County, visit http://www.uwsjc.org, find us on facebook, or follow us on twitter @uwstjoecounty.

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