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Media Advisory
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - December 3, 2015 Contact:
Ellen M. Ganley, Director of Development 508 762-9807
EGanley@WCAC.net
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Worcester Free Tax Service Coalition
With new name, renewed commitment to maximizing refund benefits
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Worcester, Massachusetts - The
Worcester Free Tax Service Coalition (formerly the Worcester Earned Income Tax Credit Coalition) will be hosting an information session on
Wednesday, December 9, 2015 from 9-10 a.m. at the YWCA Central Massachusetts, 1 Salem Square, Worcester. The info session is open to local organizations working with low to moderate income individuals and families who may benefit from the free tax preparation services the coalition has been providing for the last twelve years.
The coalition's name change reflects a concerted effort to promote the
free service available to individuals and families who qualify.
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) and other credits. Some households with children are eligible for tax refunds of over $6,000. Utilizing the free tax preparation services allows families to retain their full refund, avoiding typical preparation fees which can often run into the hundreds of dollars.
Worcester Community Action Council (WCAC) is among the Coalition's 20 members city wide, comprised of a collaboration of businesses, financial institutions and non-profit organizations who work to promote free income tax credit benefits to low and moderate income working individuals and families as a strategy to build household assets and increase economic self-sufficiency.
"With this service, there are no tax preparation fees," said Worcester Free Tax Service Coalition Chair Anne Vinick. "That is more money for individuals and families to put towards their bills, savings and other needs."
Approximately 100 volunteers from the community, local businesses, Unum, AllCom Credit Union, as well as students from Assumption College, Quinsigamond Community College and Worcester State University prepare taxes free each year at each tax preparation site. Close to 1,800 tax returns were successfully e-filed by the coalition in tax year 2014, with more than $2.9 million in refunds returned to the local tax community.
The free tax preparation services will be available at four locations within the city - at WCAC, 484 Main Street (Denholm Building), Worcester; Plumley Village Job Development Center, 16 Laurel Street, Worcester; Main South CDC, 875 Main Street, Worcester; and at Worcester State University, 486 Chandler Street, Worcester. Qualifying households with earned income less than $54,000 in 2015 are eligible for the free services.
"WCAC is pleased to be a host site for this program," said WCAC Executive Director Jill C. Dagilis. "We encourage area families and individuals to take advantage of these services to ensure they are maximizing their returns and securing important assets."
Additional information about individual eligibility for the program will be made when the Coalition holds its formal kickoff near the end of January, at which time they will begin accepting appointments for the free tax preparation services.
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About WCAC
Celebrating its 50th year, the Worcester Community Action Council is 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 44 neighboring communities of Auburn, Blackstone, Boylston, Brimfield, Brookfield, Charlton, Clinton, 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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