Free Tax Prep Available for People Earning $50,000 or Less

From Jill Davoll, Communications Director, Middlesex United Way
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New State Earned Income Tax Credit Could Mean More Money for You at Tax Time
Free tax preparation by IRS trained and certified volunteers is available in our city to ensure that working individuals and families are filing for the tax credits they have earned. The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program is available for people whose income is below $50,000 a year.

The new Connecticut State Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) for low-income, working individuals and families takes effect this year. This means that working families could receive even more money back this tax season. VITA volunteers are trained to ensure that people are filing for all of the tax credits they have earned including the federal EITC, new state EITC, and the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit.

Appointments are available between January 24 - April 11 in the evenings and on Saturdays and must be scheduled through United Way 2-1-1. Simply dial 2-1-1 on your phone from anywhere in Connecticut.

There are two downtown sites offering free tax preparation:

Middlesex United Way at 100 Riverview Center, Suite 230
North End Action Team (NEAT) at 654 Main Street

Individuals should bring a blank check from their checking account for direct deposit of their refund. Direct deposit is the quickest way to receive the refund, usually within one week. For those who do not have an account, you can ask about setting one up before a scheduled appointment with a tax preparer.

When attending their pre-scheduled appointment, individuals should bring: valid photo ID; social security cards or ITIN; income documentation from all employers; birth dates for everyone in the family; interest and dividend statements; total amount paid for child care; a copy of last year’s Federal and State income tax returns, if available; and the current year’s tax package if you received one.

In 2011, local VITA sites helped 350 residents of Middlesex County file their taxes for free. Those who qualified for refunds or tax credits received an average of $1,600 back. The total amounted to $450,000 – that’s money getting back into the hands of working people who have earned it. Of those served, there were an additional 165 dependents, mostly children, who were impacted by the program.

VITA is a free program offered by the federal government. The local Middletown VITA sites are coordinated by Middlesex United Way and the Middlesex Coalition for Children. Dial 2-1-1 to schedule an appointment.