United Way Silicon Valley is working with a coalition of financial institutions and nonprofit and government agencies, including the Internal Revenue Service, to connect eligible local families to free tax services through its Earn It! Keep It! Save It! program. Tax preparation services are provided by trained, IRS-certified volunteers at Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites located throughout Santa Clara County at selected libraries, nonprofit organizations, churches, community centers and credit unions.
Gilroy sites include:
-The Adult Education Center, 7881 Murray Ave.
-Gavilan College Library, 5055 Santa Teresa Blvd.
-Gilroy One Stop, 7800 Arroyo Circle
Workers earning $51,000 or less in 2012 are eligible for the free tax service. Those who qualify can find the nearest VITA site by calling United Way’s 211 information and referral line or visiting www.211scc.org.
There is also a Morgan Hill site at the El Toro Youth Center.
“Most people will be receiving their W2s and other tax documents this month and may want to get their taxes filed right away, particularly if they are expecting a refund,” said Carole Leigh Hutton, president and CEO of United Way Silicon Valley. “We are encouraging those who qualify for the free service to wait until the VITA sites open later this month so they can get their taxes done for free. They can also get help applying for the Earned Income Tax Credit and other tax benefits, which could mean a significant refund.”
The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a federal tax benefit for working families with low to moderate incomes. The maximum credit for the 2012 tax year is $5,891 for a family with three or more children, $5,236 for a family with two children, $3,169 for a family with one child, and $475 if there are no children.
“The EITC can mean a significant boost in income for many local families, increasing their financial stability,” Hutton said. “These tax refunds also funnel millions of dollars back into the local economy.”
VITA Sites Bring Millions into Local Economy
VITA Sites Bring Millions into Local Economy
Last year, VITA sites helped to bring more than $7.1 million in tax refunds to Santa Clara County, including $2.4 million from the EITC and $1.4 million in Child Care tax credits.
This year the coalition is working with the IRS to offer “drop-off” and “do-it-yourself” pilot sites. The nine drop-off sites allow tax filers to drop off their tax information and then volunteer tax preparers will work on those returns while in between tax appointments. The eight do-it-yourself sites provide computers and someone who can answer questions for those who want to file their own taxes and may need just a little bit of help.
Tax preparation services are offered in a number of languages, including English, Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Russian. Eligible taxpayers can find out which languages are spoken at each site as well as the hours of operation, services offered, and whether an appointment is needed by calling 211 or visiting www.211scc.org.
United Way Silicon Valley helps to recruit and train volunteers for the 53 VITA sites located in Santa Clara County. The organization also helps to promote the free tax service through 211 and other efforts thanks to a grant from the IRS for marketing and advertising.
In addition to free tax preparation services and electronic filing, some VITA sites also offer assistance in applying for certain public benefits as well as referrals to financial education and credit counseling services, including United Way Silicon Valley’s free Credit Coaching program. Participants are matched with a specially trained volunteer mentor who can help them improve their credit scores. United Way also offers free financial management classes.
United Way Silicon Valley is committed to improving community conditions by helping local people become financially stable and independent. To drive positive change, United Way Silicon Valley helps people help themselves by identifying critical needs, mobilizing the caring power of the community, and aligning resources to achieve the best solutions. United Way is focused on the building blocks for a good life: income, education and health. For more information about United Way Silicon Valley, visit www.uwsv.org.
