UNITED WAY OF CONNECTICUT

It’s tax time! This year there are more options than ever to prepare and file your income tax returns for free! 

Improving our tax policies to alleviate poverty is key to creating a brighter future for ALICE families. For these half a million Connecticut families living paycheck to paycheck, access to free tax filing and every available benefit through their refunds provides crucial financial relief. 

Read more about the options available so you can carry on -- with more cash in your pocket. 

SPOTLIGHT

Did you know that Connecticut has a new, quick, easy and FREE online tax filing tool? It’s called IRS Direct File.  

Direct File is an intuitive, interview-based tax preparation software that guides you step-by-step through the filing process. It is available in English and Spanish, with live chat support from IRS agents in both languages. Designed with a mobile-first approach, Direct File provides a seamless user experience for both phone and desktop users.  

Generally, people with relatively straightforward taxes who don't itemize are eligible.  

IN HER OWN WORDS...

SAMANTHA ROSADO 

Aspiring Nurse 

This past fall Samantha Rosado had her first experience filing her taxes for free with the Voluntary Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program.

I received a notice in the mail from the IRS that I was behind in filing my taxes, and I didn’t know where to go or what to do. I was worried that I owed money to the IRS. Then, I found out about a free tax preparation day at the Silas Bronson Library in Waterbury and made an appointment to have my taxes done.  

They took great care of me and told me that I would be getting a refund. They even made me aware of additional documents that I could obtain to get even more money back 

This was the first time I ever worked with the program, and I received more than a $1,000 refund! I used most of that to pay off my bills and saved some, too.  

This refund really helped me get back to where I needed to be financially. I am so thankful to have this VITA program available that provides trained IRS tax preparers, at no cost to me, that I can trust. 

Schedule your FREE Tax Appointment now! Tax experts are waiting to help you get all the tax credits you deserve. To qualify, your household must have an annual income of up to $68,000.  

UPCOMING EVENTS

It’s not too late to join us TODAY for this important update to learn how we can work together to shape Connecticut’s future. Whether you’re a seasoned advocate or taking your first step, we’ll break down the legislative process and unite to advance solutions that give ALICE families the freedom to thrive. 

Ever wonder if there might be a better, more inexpensive way to file your taxes? Join us for this important webinar to help providers and community members learn more about free tax filing services, like VITA and IRS Direct File. 

211 Day at the Capitol

Did you know that last year 211 Connecticut responded to more than 1.7 million inquiries — a 300% increase since 2019? 

Mark your calendars and join us at the Capitol on 2/11 to learn how we can strengthen 211 to meet increasing demand. 

MEET + GREET

STEPHANIE BONIN 

Senior Strategist 

Economic Security Project 

Stephanie has always been passionate about working in social change and feels that helping to make systemic change is her calling in life.  

When she was 15 years old, she and her two best friends planned and organized their town’s Take Back the Night March, a parade and awareness-raising event to end sexual and domestic violence in all forms. 

Fast forward to the pandemic, when she and her husband, who owned two restaurants at the time, had to lay off staff. As employers, they felt the heavy responsibility to make sure that their staff had livelihoods. To raise awareness about this issue, Stephanie started a change.org petition to build awareness, mobilize support and work with decision makers to drive solutions. Her petition went viral, with more than three million signatures. This effort to help shine a light on people who felt overwhelmed with finances during the pandemic led Stephanie to the Economic Security Project.  

The Economic Security Project is a national nonprofit that advocates for ideas that build economic power for all Americans. Their team disburses grants, runs issue campaigns, develops creative interventions and research products and convenes the field to advance their issues and turn bold ideas into reality. 

At the Economic Security Project, Stephanie continues her work by supporting states to adopt the expanded Child Tax Credit and Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC).  

I learned how tax policy can work to alleviate poverty. It’s a wonky issue that everyone can understand, because everyone files their taxes. It’s important to know that filing taxes and tax policy can be a force for good. 

Stephanie shares that she “loves this work because I want to see government working for people, and a service like Direct File offers tangible benefits and is something everyone can do. Direct File is a great example that shows that democracy is working.” 

Stephanie would like you to know that Direct File is a secure, simple, always free tax filing option provided by the IRS. “We know that no one looks forward to doing their taxes, but it’s clear that you shouldn’t have to pay to get them done.” 

Direct File reduces the anxiety and headaches people feel about filing their taxes. Plus, everyone loves choices and options. If you want to use online software, meet with your local accountant or utilize free VITA services, these options are all still available.  

Last year, Direct File piloted a four-week test program to huge success. More than 140,000 Americans filed their taxes using the service -- and loved it: 90% reported a positive experience and cited the ease of the tool.  

Part of that ease of use is that Direct File offers one link to an eligibility checker that asks five easy questions. By answering these questions, you can immediately find out if you’re eligible. In Connecticut, 520,000 filers are eligible to use it this year!  

During the test pilot, it took most users less than an hour to file their taxes, and 75% said they would recommend it and prefer Direct File to other tax filing methods.  

Stephanie lives in southern Vermont with her husband, two girls ages 12 and 17, a Great Pyrenees, two cats and many chickens. Despite her work, Stephanie hadn’t been the tax filer in her family until she became a VITA volunteer two years ago.  

When she is not working or preparing taxes, Stephanie loves to cook, especially theme night dinners like a German board with homemade pretzels and an Asian buffet with hand-rolled sushi that she prepares with her daughters’ help. 

DID YOU KNOW?

•  VITA, Direct File: How do I know which one to use and what is right for me? Check out this handy chart below! 

• Still confused? Watch this NBC CT news story to learn more:

• Read what the New York Times has to say about Direct File here.  

• UWCT can help you schedule your free tax filing appointments. Just call 2-1-1, press “Option 3” then “Option 6” to be connected to and schedule free tax filing appointments.  

•  Find out all you need to know about free tax filing options here.  

VISIT US:

United Way of Connecticut

55 Capital Boulevard, Rocky Hill, CT 06067