United Way Free Income Tax Preparation Launches

January 21, 2014

United Way of Escambia County has started their Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. VITA volunteers will offer free tax preparation help at Pensacola State College (PSC) from 10am to 4pm in building 96 through tax season.

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 20, IRS-certified specialists will be available to answer tax-related questions at 1 (855) 698-9435, Monday-Saturday, 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 Way 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.

VITA Volunteers are still needed and are encouraged to sign up today. VITA volunteers receive IRS training and certification and are asked to commit a minimum of one hour per week through April 15.  For more information, please contact Lyndi Smith at lyndi@unitedwayescambia.org or 9850) 434-3157.

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Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News