Free IncomeTax Preparation Launches January 20

Description

United Way of Escambia County is kicking off our Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, where VITA volunteers will offer free tax preparation help.

United Way will also offer MyFreeTaxes, a free online tax tool for self-preparation.  Eligible residents, with a household adjusted gross income of $58,000 or less, can utilize the free step-by-step online tool at www.myfreetaxes.com/unitedwayESCAROSA.  Starting January 23, IRS-certified specialists will be available to answer tax-related questions at 1-855-698-9435, Mon-Sat, 8AM-9PM.

Financial literacy and VITA programs help alleviate future shortfalls in family budgets.  Last year, VITA volunteers assisted 2,040 local families in returning $2,800,000 in refunds.  If these families had used payday lenders, refund anticipation loans, or refund anticipation checks they would have lost an estimated $280,000 from their refunds.

Tax returns processed prior to January 31 using MyFreeTaxes or a VITA site will be automatically sent to the IRS on the January 31 open file date.

United Wy will launch five additional VITA sites around Escambia and Santa Rosa counties beginning February 3.  For VITA site times and locations, or questions about the VITA or MyFreeTaxes programs, dial 2-1-1 or call United Way of Escambia County at 850-434-3157.

For more information, please contact Lyndi Smith at lyndi@unnitedwayescambia.org