WORCESTER FREE TAX SERVICE COALITION CELEBRATES 20TH ANNIVERSARY
Kickoff planned for January 30th
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 25, 2023
CONTACT: Emily McCann, VP Community Engagement,
United Way of Central MA
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Worcester, Massachusetts - The Worcester Free Tax Service Coalition will celebrate 20 years of making tax credits and tax preparation accessible for low income households through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program with a kickoff planned for January 30th.
WHEN: Monday, January 30th; 10:00AM
WHERE: Worcester Community Action Council VITA Location, 18 Chestnut Street, Worcester – ground floor Walnut Wing Conference Room (Maple Street entrance)
WHAT: The VITA program utilizes IRS-trained volunteers to prepare tax returns for households who earn less than $60,000 or may quality for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC).
Since 2002, the Coalition has prepared more than 27,000 federal and state tax filings, free of charge, and returned over $43 million to individuals and families in Worcester County.
Each year, low-income families substantially increase their annual income by utilizing the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). Workers who qualify for the EITC and file an income tax return can receive a refund, even if they had no income tax liability for the given year. EITC lifts more families out of poverty than any other federal aid program, providing them an opportunity to increase savings, reduce debt, and invest in their community.
The Coalition recruits volunteers from local businesses and students at local colleges and universities to serve at four local VITA sites. Volunteers receive certification from the Internal Revenue Service and local training to provide free tax preparation and help people claim eligible tax credits. Through financial education classes, the Coalition is also working with taxpayers to increase knowledge about budgeting and credit repair.
WHO: Worcester Free Tax Service Coalition partners include: Main South Community Development Center, The Community Builders at Plumley Village, United Way of Central Massachusetts, Worcester Community Action Council, and Worcester State University.
The Worcester Free Tax Service Coalition and VITA program is also supported by:
Assumption University, City of Worcester, Clark University, Cornerstone Bank, Digital Federal Credit Union, FDIC, Internal Revenue Service, MASSCAP (Massachusetts Association for Community Action), Office of Congressman James P. McGovern, Quinsigamond Community College, The Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce, UniBank, and Webster Five.
About the Worcester Free Tax Service Coalition
The Worcester Free Tax Service Coalition has been operating the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program in Central Massachusetts for 20 years with support from the community. The Coalition works to create awareness about the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and engage trained volunteers to help prepare free taxes for low to moderate-income households. Coalition members include: Main South Community Development Corporation, The Community Builders at Plumley Village, United Way of Central Massachusetts, Worcester Community Action Council, and Worcester State University. To learn more about the Worcester Free Tax Service Coalition visit: https://unitedwaycm.org/our-work/strategic-initiatives/
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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.
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www.WCAC.net Info@WCAC.net |
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