Nationwide, Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites play a critical role in ensuring that eligible families receive their often unclaimed Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). This free tax assistance service also helps these individuals save hundreds of dollars in commercial tax preparation fees and predatory “rapid refunds” loan fees and interest.
The EITC is the federal government’s largest benefits program for working families and EITC is arguably the most effective anti-poverty program in America. This program lifts more children and families out of poverty than any other single federal program or combination of federal programs.
EITC refunds also have a substantial impact upon the local economy. Research shows that many families receiving the EITC use it to pay for basic necessities like housing, utilities, food, and major household appliances. Research also suggests that some families use their EITC refund to make purchases or investments that can help them maintain their jobs, their homes, or to improve their employability so they have a better chance of moving into the middle class. For example, a significant share of families use part of their EITC to repair or replace a car needed to get to work, to make essential, but costly, repairs to a home, or to pay for more education or job training.
The United Way of the Greater Clarksville Region is excited to be offering the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program again this year. This program is funded by: HUD through a grant from the City of Clarksville’s Community Development Block Grant Program; under an agreement with the State of Tennesee, Department of Human Services; a grant from the Internal Revenue Service; and the United Way of the Greater Clarksville Region.
The VITA program will begin at the Clarksville Montgomery County Library on February 1 and will operate through April 15, 2011. All of the sites are manned by trained, IRS certified volunteer tax assistants. Through these trained community volunteers, the United Way of the Greater Clarksville Region and its partner VITA sites provide free tax preparation and access to the Earned Income Tax Credit and other tax credits to help working families receive the full amount of their tax returns, increase their income and begin creating savings.
Volunteers at these sites will help individuals and families in the low-to-moderate income range prepare their taxes, and will also offer electronic filing (e-filing) at no cost. Individuals taking advantage of the e-filing program will receive their refunds in half the time as those filing paper returns, and their refunds will be received even faster if the taxpayer has their refund deposited directly into their bank account.
The VITA site locations and schedules are as follows:
Clarksville-Montgomery County Library
350 Pageant Lane, Clarksville, TN
Monday – 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Tuesday – 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
Thursday – 10:00 am – 7:00 pmSaturday – 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Houston County Public Library
21 Spring Street, Erin, TN
Wednesday 9:30am – 2pm
Stewart County Public Library
102 Natcor Drive, Dover, TN
Monday – 2:30pm – 7pm
Individuals need to bring the following information to the VITA sites to ensure prompt and accurate preparation of their tax returns:
- Proof of Identity (Picture I.D.)
- ALL W-2, 1098 or 1099 Forms
- Social Security Card or Tax ID Number (ITIN) card for allindividuals listed on return
- Voided bank check or savings deposit slip (for direct deposit to receive refunds in 7-10 days!)
- Both spouses must present if filing jointly.
- Documentation of other income
- Vehicle sales tax receipt (if you or your spouse purchased a new vehicle in 2010
- Childcare providers’ ID number
- Verification of estimated tax payments made
Services are available for non-English speaking and hearing impaired community members.
For more information, dial 2-1-1, contact the United Way of the Greater Clarksville Region at (931) 647-4291 or visit the website at http://www.liveunitedclarksville.org/
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