United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey and the Campaign for Working Families kicked off the 2018 tax season and the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA) by opening more than 30 tax preparation sites across the region, according to a submitted press release.

“At United Way, we’re working to end intergenerational poverty and fight for successful youth and self-reliant individuals and families by providing access to asset-building opportunities that they need to thrive,” said Bill Golderer, United Way president and CEO. “Through programs like VITA, we help put additional dollars back into the pockets of our families living paycheck-to-paycheck, so they are able to pay down debt, save for a home or continue their education. Thanks to our Impact Partners like the Campaign for Working Families, we’re changing lives and strengthening communities — one child, one adult and one family at a time.”

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According to the IRS, taxpayers are often unaware of the important credits they may be eligible for and leave valuable dollars on the table each year. The IRS estimates that one in five taxpayers does not claim one of the biggest boosters to family incomes — the EITC, a refundable credit that can return more than $6,000 per qualifying family – simply because they are unaware that they are eligible or do not file their taxes. VITA not only provides assistance for taxes, but also helps residents make connections to other financial resources such as budgeting, credit counseling and financial literacy programs. Last year, VITA volunteers filed 33,000 tax returns returning more than $46 million to local communities.

“Our goal is to ensure every eligible taxpayer has access to free and accurate tax preparation services, where the tax filer can be assured they receive all eligible credits they are entitled to in an effort to maximize their refund,” says Mary Arthur, president and CEO of Campaign for Working Families. “We are honored to have the opportunity to continue this work thanks to the significant support and contributions from United Way’s Impact Fund.”

Families earning $54,000 or less, or individuals earning $20,000 or less, may be eligible to receive free tax assistance through VITA. This tax season, the Montgomery County VITA sites are open at the following locations: Indian Valley Public Library, 100 E Church Avenue, Telford, PA 18969; CADCOM, 113 E Main Street, Norristown, PA 19401; CADCOM (Willow Grove CDC), 210 Cedar Avenue, Willow Grove, PA 19090; Family Services (Eagleville), 3125 Ridge Pike, Eagleville, PA 19403; Family Services (Pottstown), 1976 E High Street, Pottstown, PA 19464; Temple University Ambler, 580 Meetinghouse Road, Ambler, PA 19002.

For eligibility requirements, and a complete list of VITA tax sites and documents needed to file, please visit UnitedForImpact.org/VITA or CWFPhilly.org.

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