Opportunities:  Changing Lives...One Family At A Time

Lewis County Opportunities, Inc.  •  8265 State Route 812  •  Lowville, NY  13367
Telephone:  315-376-8202  •  Fax:  315-376-8421  •  Contact Us

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About the VITA program How to schedule an appointment

Be a VITA volunteer!

   
   
Volunteer Tax Assistance Program
 
Nearly $68,000 in Earned Income Credits in '07
VITA program removes barrier for folks needing help filing tax returns
 

  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.
 
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. It’s 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.

 

Community Impact At A Glance In 2008, over 200 households were assisted through the Volunteer Tax Assistance program.  A total of 249 returns were filed.

 

 
About the VITA program
 

  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.

 
 
Be A VITA volunteer!
 
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.
 
 
How to schedule an appointment
 

 

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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