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VITA program removes barrier
for folks needing help filing tax returns
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Cindy Rizzle (above, left) is one of the many
appreciative individuals who have received a helping hand with income tax return
preparation through the VITA program in recent years. |
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For
the 12th consecutive year, Opportunities offered its facilities in hosting the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)
program. The VITA program is one of several programs created by the Internal
Revenue Service that offers free tax help to qualifying families.
During the traditional tax season in locations all across the country,
trained community volunteers meet with individuals and help them complete
their basic tax returns, and also point out special credits the
individual might be eligible for such as the Earned Income Tax Credit and
Credit for the Elderly. Its a way to help put much needed money back into
the pockets of individuals that can be used for daily living or other
expenses.
With Opportunities offering complimentary office space, Lewis County
residents receive VITA services in a comfortable and convenient
location. With Opportunities also providing high speed Internet
capability, individuals enjoy the benefit of e-filing their tax returns. According to the IRS
website, individuals taking advantage of e-filing receive their refunds in
half the time compared to returns filed on paper even faster if the
individual chooses to directly deposit their refund into their bank account.
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In 2012, 158
individuals
were assisted through the Volunteer Tax Assistance program, with tax
refunds totaling $222,344. Earned Income Credits totaled $77,997.
Opportunities would like to extend our sincere appreciation to VITA
volunteers Willard Moser, Charlene Moser, Larry Noftsier, and Marcia Samsa, who
collectively logged 165 hours of volunteer time in helping individuals
complete their tax returns. |
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| About the VITA
program |
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The Volunteer Income Tax
Assistance (VITA) Program offers free tax help to low to moderate income
people who cannot prepare their own tax returns. Opportunities hosts volunteers from the VITA Program, who
are available to
assist Lewis County residents with income tax preparation services during
the tax season. These services are available by appointment only.
Tax returns are filed
electronically, and volunteers can assist with claiming any eligible
benefits that recipients may qualify for such as the Earned Income Tax
Credit.
Please note the VITA program is for the filing of
"short form" returns only.
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Be A VITA volunteer! |
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Whether you're a college student looking to build your
resume, or career professional or homemaker, your talents are needed as a
VITA volunteer! We're already gearing up for the next tax season and
need your help! Our VITA program typically operates on Saturdays
during tax season, and it's a very rewarding way to help out people right
here in Lewis County.
To learn more about how to be a VITA volunteer,
email us or call 376-8202,
option 1. |
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How to schedule
an appointment |
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The
VITA program has concluded for the most recent tax season; however we
anticipate offering the service again in February, 2014. Typically,
individuals are served by appointment only; appointments are usually
scheduled on Saturdays starting in early February. To learn more about the program,
including what items to bring to an appointment,
click here. (Once a new browser window opens, scroll down the
page to see the acceptable list of items.) Please note this information
may be subject to change.)
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Copyright © 2003-2013 Lewis County Opportunities,
Inc.
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