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| Nearly $68,000 in Earned
Income Credits in '07 |
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 seventh consecutive year, Opportunities is 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 low to moderate income
families, who cannot afford to pay for an income tax preparation service.
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 have been able to receive VITA services in a comfortable and convenient
location. With Opportunities providing high speed Internet
capability as a courtesy, individuals have been able to have the benefit of e-filing, the
instant electronic filing of their tax returns. According to the IRS
website, individuals taking advantage of e-filing received their refunds in
half the time compared to returns filed on paper even faster if the
individual chose to directly deposit their refund into their bank account.
In 2008, over 200 households were assisted with VITA services. A total
of 249 returns were filed, with net tax refunds totaling $183,452.
Earned Income Credit (EIC) refunds totaled $73,620.
Once again, VITA was coordinated by lead
volunteer Charlene Moser. We very much appreciate
Opportunities'
cooperation in securing the e-filing ability, and
to open its doors to our volunteers to be able to help individuals and
families who need help with income tax filing," said Ms. Moser. |
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In 2008, over 200 households
were assisted through the Volunteer Tax Assistance program. A total of
249 returns were filed. |
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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, extension 227. |
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How to schedule
an appointment |
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The
VITA program has concluded for the current tax season; however we
anticipate offering the service again in February, 2009. 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 © 2003-2008 Lewis County Opportunities,
Inc.
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