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Free Tax Preparation Service
Last year
was the first year that the United Way of Salem County, Inc.
served as a VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program) site.
Results:
Thanks to the help of our volunteers and staff, we filed
96 returns for residents of Salem County which resulted in
over $72,500
worth of total refunds.
When?
Tax appointments were scheduled between February 16
through April 12, 2007.
Who was
Eligible?
Single people who made less than $25,000 and
Families who made less than $40,000 annual income in 2006 could have
gotten their taxes prepared for free.
Thank You!
Once again, we would like to thank all of our volunteers who took time
out of their schedules to be trained and to serve as preparers.
What is VITA?
VITA stands for Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program. The VITA
Program offers free tax help to low- to moderate-income (generally,
$40,000 and below) people who cannot prepare their own tax returns.
Certified volunteers sponsored by various organizations receive training
to help prepare basic tax returns in communities across the country.
VITA sites are generally located at community and neighborhood centers,
libraries, schools, shopping malls, and other convenient locations. Most
locations also offer free electronic filing.
What is EITC?
The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) sometimes called the Earned Income
Credit (EIC), is a refundable federal income tax credit for low-income
working individuals and families. Congress originally approved the tax
credit legislation in 1975 in part to offset the burden of social
security taxes and to provide an incentive to work. When the EITC
exceeds the amount of taxes owed, it results in a tax refund to those
who claim and qualify for the credit.
To
qualify, taxpayers must meet certain requirements and file a tax return,
even if they did not earn enough money to be obligated to file a tax
return.
The
EITC has no effect on certain welfare benefits. In most cases, EITC
payments will not be used to determine eligibility for Medicaid,
Supplemental Security Income (SSI), food stamps, low-income housing or
most Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) payments. |