North Coast Opportunities (NCO) Volunteer Network is pleased to announce that they will be partnering with MendoLake Credit Union and Mendocino College to provide free income tax preparation services in Lake and Mendocino Counties. As part of a multi-county coalition headed by the United Way of the Wine Country, the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, also known as the Earn It! Keep It! Save It! Program, helps local, low-income community members file their 2014 taxes.
This year, NCO Volunteer Network’s goal is to build on the huge success of last year’s program: In 2014, volunteers processed 567 income tax returns for qualifying low-income households, bringing $728,000 in refund dollars back to our community.
In 2014, VITA volunteers provided income tax preparation services at various locations around Mendocino County. This year, thanks to a State discretionary grant, NCO VITA services will also be available to residents of Lake County. The grant will also provide opportunities for clients in both counties to participate in finance education based games, contests, and workshops.
“Many of those who came to us for income tax preparation last year were surprised to learn that they were eligible to receive the Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, or the Educational Tax Credit,” says Rebecca Enberg, NCO Volunteer Network Manager. “It was extremely rewarding to see the happy faces of those who received much more than expected in tax refund dollars and hear how the additional income will make a positive difference in their lives.”
The program is free and open to anyone who earned less than $53,000 in 2014. Volunteers speak English and Spanish, and all tax information is held in the strictest of confidence. It’s a tremendous benefit for those who can’t afford an accountant, especially if they have a complex tax filing. According to Enberg, “When you take into account the fact that the average cost for a simple tax return is $200, the Earn It! Keep It! Save It! program is playing a huge part in keeping dollars in the pockets of taxpayers.”
VITA Volunteers receive free training provided by the Internal Revenue Service and must pass required testing.
To make an appointment, or for more information on tax preparation sites and operation hours, call 707-467-3236.
