Brief VITA description

Free tax preparation available through United Way Dial 2-1-1 to learn about free tax preparation for families who earned up to $50,000 in 2010.

As part of its commitment to helping working families become more financially stable, United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut is supporting Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites in partnership with Co-opportunity, HRA of New Britain, the Bank of America Charitable Foundation, and the Walmart Foundation.

Sites are located in Hartford, East Hartford, Manchester, Bloomfield, Enfield, New Britain, Windham and other communities. Tax filers at the free sites can have their refund in 7 to 10 days via direct deposit or a prepaid debit card. Tax filers also have the option to purchase Series I Savings Bonds with a portion or all of their refunds.

IRS-trained volunteers will help families prepare and electronically file their state and federal income tax forms at no charge and will help them determine whether they qualify for tax credits and refunds, including the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). The Earned Income Tax Credit is a federal income tax credit available to individuals and families that earned up to $48,362, depending on family size, in 2010. The average EITC in Connecticut last year was $1,948.

VITA sites also offer filers information on how to save and grow their money for the future. At select sites, students and their parents can get help to complete the Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) to help pay for college. Some sites will screen for SNAP (formerly known as food stamps) and WIC. VITA sites will be open at convenient times throughout the week, including evenings and weekends.

Free tax assistance is available in Spanish and Polish at select sites. To locate a VITA site or to schedule an appointment, dial 2-1-1. United Way 2-1-1 is a free, multilingual information and referral hotline, open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.