Season’s greetings! And by the word “season,” I mean tax season.
Filing taxes can be stressful and bewildering for any of us. The lure of rapid anticipation loans can be tempting, but individuals may end up losing some of their refund due to the interest rates. And the fees charged by many preparation sites are simply unmanageable for those already struggling with their finances. Fortunately for local residents, there is an answer.
As many of us are getting our own affairs in order and preparing to file, Middlesex United Way and the Middlesex Coalition for Children have been talking taxes for many, many months. The two organizations co-sponsor the local Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program, a free tax preparation service for people of low to moderate incomes.
VITA is helping United Way to achieve one of our Five Year Goals for the Common Good to increase the economic self-sufficiency of individuals and families. Put more plainly, it’s helping to get more money back into the hands of working people, increasing their financial stability so they can afford to meet all of their costs of living.
Last year, the two downtown Middletown VITA sites helped more than 250 Middlesex County residents save a total of $362,540. Of those served last year, there were an additional 113 dependents, mostly children, who were impacted by this program. This year our goal is to help 500 people through VITA.
Those who qualified for refunds and credits received an average of $1,898. In addition, people can save up to $150 in tax preparation fees. This is money they have earned and can now be put towards critical needs such as food, rent or mortgage, child care or transportation.
VITA volunteers are trained and certified by the IRS. They attend an intense four-session training and must pass a test. Most importantly, they ensure that individuals are filing for all of the tax credits for which they are eligible, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit and the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit. Often, these credits go unclaimed simply because people are not aware of them.
If you or someone you know is earning less than $50,000 a year, contact United Way 2-1-1 to schedule an appointment at one of the local VITA sites located at Middlesex United Way and NEAT. Simply dial 2-1-1 from anywhere in Connecticut. Appointments must be made in advance and are available in the evenings and on Saturdays now through April 12.
If you qualify, I urge you to take advantage of this easy and free service.
Live United!
Kevin Wilhelm is the executive director of Middlesex United Way.
Source: http://middletownpress.com
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