Free Tax Preparation Program to Open for 19th Year January 30
United Way of Pueblo County will launch the Pueblo Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program for its 19th year of service Monday, January 30, with eight tax site locations throughout Pueblo County. The program provides free tax preparation and e-filing services to individuals and families with household incomes of $60,000 or less.
Services are provided by IRS-certified volunteers who work with clients to identify tax credits, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Child Tax Credit (CTC), that often go unclaimed, while helping them avoid the added cost of paid preparation and predatory lending of advance refunds.
This year AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) members are supporting VITA by assisting with scheduling appointments, client intakes, tax preparation, and quality review. The partnership allows for an expansion of services so more lower income Puebloans may receive help navigating the process of tax preparation and filing.
“Helping community members access quality help with tax return preparation is such an important task. AmeriCorps NCCC teams have completed projects like this before in Denver as well as in other states. We’re thrilled to be serving Pueblo County for the first time this year in collaboration with the United Way,” said Jeanette Fabela, AmeriCorps NCCC Southwest Region Director.
“We are grateful to have the AmeriCorps NCCC team in our town working alongside our other valued VITA volunteers as we strive towards financial empowerment for all,” said United Way of Pueblo County President and CEO Shanna Farmer. “Together, we look forward to serving the members of our community who might not otherwise have any help with taxes this year.”
Services provided are by appointment only through April 18. Drop-off or in-person appointments must be made at least 12 hours prior to the requested service date at www.pueblounitedway.org/vita or by calling 719-225-8580 EXT 113.
The Pueblo VITA Program is partially funded by the City of Pueblo and Pueblo County and administrated by United Way of Pueblo County. Last year the program processed more than 1,700 income tax forms (865 federal and 895 state), bringing over $1,636,923 back into the Pueblo community through refunds and an estimated $264,000 was realized in preparation savings to taxpayers. Additionally, 178 returns were processed through three separate tax event days that helped filers qualify for the Colorado Cashback tax rebate.
For more information, visit www.pueblounitedway.org/vita, or contact Program Coordinator Julie Navarro at vita@pueblounitedway.org, 719-225-8580 Ext 113.
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