KICKOFF HELD FOR VOLUNTEER INCOME TAX ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

WCAC expanding appointments to Southbridge, Webster & Leicester

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 29, 2024

CONTACT: Ellen M. Ganley, Director of Policy, Public Affairs & Development

EGanley@wcac.net

O: 508-762-9807

Worcester, Massachusetts - The Worcester Free Tax Service Coalition hosted a Kickoff for the 2024 season of the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program today. This is the twenty-first year the coalition has offered free tax preparation to eligible households throughout Central Massachusetts. Requests for free tax preparation are accepted for individual taxpayers or households making $64,000 or less.

Through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, IRS-certified volunteers prepare taxes and specifically look for tax credits the household may be eligible for, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), Child Tax Credit (CTC), Circuit Breaker Tax Credit, and others. Utilizing the free tax preparation services allows families to retain their full refund, avoiding typical preparation fees which can often cost hundreds of dollars.

"We thank the many volunteers who make this program happen - their time and their support makes our community strong," said Tim Garvin, President of the United Way of Central Massachusetts. "VITA puts dollars in pockets. That is good for that individual and good for our economy."

Maydee Morales, Director of WCAC's Resiliency Center noted that the agency was expanding VITA services this year. "We look forward to meeting people where they are and expanding our appointment locations this year to include opportunities in Southbridge, Webster and Leicester. Additionally we are really focusing on integrating services for VITA clients. We hope to have our community navigators on site to assist with other financial services, including accessing SNAP, RAFT and other community resources," she said, adding, "VITA sites are a low-cost and high return activity offering up 60 to 1 return on investment, bringing, $60 million in tax credits back to taxpayers and their communities."

Tania Medina, representing UniBank which has been a sponsor of VITA since 2017 and provides a team of volunteers to assist with preparing returns, said she has seen first hand the impact the program has on families. "Families are able to pay off debts and get some breathing room from their very tight budgets. I would encourage more volunteers to participate - it is incredibly rewarding."

Appointments for WCAC's VITA services in Worcester, Southbridge, Webster and Leicester can be booked online at www.wcac.net/vita/ A fully online tax preparation process is also available again this season should an individual be unable to come in person or prefer not to.

Additional appointments available at Worcester Free Tax Service Coalition partner sites including:

• Main South Community Development Corporation, 875 Main Street, Worcester, In-person and virtual appointments available, by appointment only 508.752.6181 or vita@qcc.mass.edu
• The Community Builders at Plumley Village Job Development Center, 16 Laurel Street, Worcester, by appointment only 508.770.0508
• Worcester State University, 486 Chandler Street, Worcester, by appointment only vita@worcester.edu or www.worcester.edu/vita

About WCAC

Since 1965, the Worcester Community Action Council has served as the federally designated anti-poverty agency for central and southern Worcester County, with a mission of helping people move to economic self-sufficiency through programs, partnerships and advocacy.

Serving the City of Worcester and 45 neighboring communities of Auburn, Blackstone, Boylston, Brimfield, Brookfield, Charlton, Clinton, Douglas, Dudley, East Brookfield, Hardwick, Holden, Holland, Hopedale, Hubbardston, Grafton, Leicester, Mendon, Milford, Millbury, Millville, Monson, New Braintree, North Brookfield, Northborough, Northbridge, Palmer, Oakham, Oxford, Paxton, Rutland, Shrewsbury, Southbridge, Spencer, Sterling, Sturbridge, Sutton, Upton, Uxbridge, Wales, Warren, Webster, West Boylston, West Brookfield and Westborough.