Why is the Community Forum recruiting volunteer income tax preparers?

The
Community Forum for Economic Development supports policies and
activities that improve living standards and broaden opportunities for
the residents of St. Joseph County.  For the last three
years, we have partnered with the United Way and other local
organizations to support the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program
(VITA), an IRS program serving low- to moderate-income individuals and
families. Our local VITA program has expanded each year,
and now includes participants from Elkhart and Marshall Counties as
well as St. Joseph County.  

The goal is to provide free electronic tax filing for as many residents as possible, and to help all eligible taxpayers file for the Earned Income Tax Credit.  E-filing is simple, accurate, and leads to rapid processing and to a rapid refund, if one is due.  Taxpayers
who e-file through a free service can avoid paying large sums of money
to paid preparers, and/or to services offering predatory “rapid refund”
loans.  An e-filed return will put the refund in the taxpayer’s bank account quickly with no interest due.  We want to help taxpayers e-file their taxes and receive their refunds speedily, with no extra expense.

The US government has offered the Earned Income Tax Credit, an anti-poverty program, for many years, but not all eligible taxpayers know about it.  It provides extra money to workers who earn low incomes, particularly if they are supporting children.  The EITC is a refundable credit, so eligible taxpayers can receive it as a refund even if they have little or no tax to pay.  Many
eligible taxpayers do not file for this credit because they are not
aware of it, and a large amount of money is lost to our community when
these credits are left unclaimed.  We want to insure that
taxpayers who come to us for help with their taxes receive all
deductions and credits for which they are eligible, including the Child
Tax Credit and the Credit for the Elderly as well as the Earned Income
Tax Credit. 

As
a partner in the Tri-County Tax Team, we currently are recruiting
volunteers for this year's program.  Previous experience is not
necessary; training will be provided.  You can become an IRS-certified
volunteer tax preparer or assist at tax preparation sites as a greeter
or screener.  An orientation session will be held this Friday, August 27th, at 5:30 pm at the United Way Office (3517
East Jefferson Blvd. South Bend).  This session will provide a good
overview of the VITA program, including its mission and vision as well
as detailed information about the roles of volunteers.

If
you are unable to attend the orientation session but would like
additional information and/or to volunteer your time, call Teresa Marcy
– 272-3089 or email sjc.cfed@gmail.com.