2010 Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Facts • •
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Working families who earned up to $50,000in 2010 are eligible for free tax preparation services now through April 15. 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. Eligibility is based on income, marital status and number of children. As an individual or family’s earned income rises, the amount of EITCthey are eligible for also rises, providing an incentive to get and keep a job. The amount begins to decreasewhen a family reaches an income that allows them a measure of self-sufficiency. The average EITCin Connecticut last year was $1,948, according to the IRS. Tax filers at the free sites can have their refund in 7 to 10 days. Most sites offer filers the option to deposit their refund on a prepaid debit card. 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. Tax filers also have the option to purchase Series I Savings Bonds with a portion or all of their refunds. New this year, filers can purchase the bonds for other individuals, such as children or grandchildren. 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. Sites are located in Hartford, East Hartford, Manchester, Bloomfield, Enfield, New Britain, Windham and other communities. 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. Free tax sites supported by United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut brought $14.9 million in federal refunds, including $5.5 million in EITCs,to more than 8,500tax filers last year. The Hartford-area EITCcampaign, operated by the Hartford Asset Building Collaborative, helped taxpayers collect $3.6 million in EITCslast year. VITA sites in New Britain, operated by the New Britain Asset Building Coalition, helped tax filers collect $1.2 million in EITCs.VITA sites in the Windham area helped bring $647,000in EITCsback to the region. Still, the IRSestimates that 25 percent of eligible individuals do not claim the EITC.
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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, Inc., the New Britain Asset Building Coalition, the Bank of America Charitable Foundation and the Walmart Foundation.