Free Tax Service Helps Increase Financial Stability
Many Hardworking Taxpayers May Qualify for Earned Income Tax Credit
Hard-working West Valley residents and families can begin the New Year with a fresh start as Valley of the Sun United Way launches its third year providing Volunteer Income Tax Assistance sites. Trained volunteers provide a free tax preparation for residents to help them obtain important tax credits to use toward increasing their financial stability. Last year, the service recipients reported using their refunds for vital services including food and clothes, transportation, child care, bills, education and medical expenses. Thirteen percent of VITA clients also developed a savings account to shore up their financial stability. The service is offered as part of United Way’s strategic focus to increase financial stability and independence of individuals and families.
Taxpayers who earned up to $50,000 in 2012 could qualify for up to $5,800 in the Earned Income Tax Credit as part of the tax preparation. The federal government reports that only four of five EITC-qualified taxpayers claim their refund. The service is available January 30 through April 15, with varying hours and days at each location.
At United Way, we know that helping individuals gain financial stability is an important step toward a community-wide strengthened economy. Last year, more than 60 volunteers contributed more than 2,300 hours during the tax season, filing 680 tax returns for families who received more than $1 million in refunds they were due.
To check Earned Income Tax Credit eligibility, go to www.irs.gov/EITC or visit a VITA site. For a full list of local VITA sites, contact 211 or visit www.211arizona.org/tax. Learn more or locate a West Valley VITA site at www.vsuw.org/VITA.
Valley of the Sun United Way-sponsored West Valley locations – all offer walk-in, first-come first-served:
Avondale: Care1st Avondale Resource and Housing Center, 328 W. Western Avenue/ Tuesdays 5 -7 p.m. & Saturdays 9 – 1, Feb. 2 – April 13
Avondale: Estrella Mountain Community College, 3000 North Dysart Road/ Saturdays 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., Feb. 2 – April 13
Buckeye: National Bank of Arizona, 219 N. 4th Street/ Wednesdays 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Jan. 30 – April 10
El Mirage: Dysart Community Center, 14414 N. El Mirage Road/ Mondays & Thursdays 4 – 8 p.m., Feb. 4 – April 15
Gila Bend: Care1st Gila Bend Resource Center, 303 E. Pima Street/ Mondays 1 – 4 p.m. & Fridays 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Feb. 1 – April 15
Glendale: National Bank of Arizona, 9878 W. Camelback Road/ Tuesdays 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., Feb. 5 – April 9
Glendale: Vineyard Church, 6250 W. Peoria Avenue/ Fridays 5 – 8 p.m., Feb. 1 – April 12
Goodyear: National Bank of Arizona, 13289 W. McDowell Road/ Thursdays 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., Jan. 31 – April 11
About Valley of the Sun United Way:
Valley of the Sun United Way is working to advance the common good by focusing three community objectives: increasing financial stability of individuals and families, ending hunger and homelessness and ensuring children and youth succeed. For more information visit, www.vsuw.org
About VITA: The Maricopa County VITA Network is a partnership among Valley of the Sun United Way, AARP Tax-Aide, Catholic Charities Community Services, City of Phoenix, City of Chandler, Mesa United Way and Tempe Community Council.