Community Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Centers Get a Federal Boost; CPPP Develops Local Materials
Authors:
Celia Cole /(512) 320-0222 x110
Don Baylor /(512) 320-0222 x 108
January 11, 2008
Federal Budget Commits $8 Million to Support Community Tax Centers >>
Is it Safe to Save My Tax Refund? A Training on Educating Tax Filers About the Impact of Savings on Eligibility for Public Benefits >>
English Version: Can I Save My Tax Refund and Keep My Benefits? >>
Spanish Version: Can I Save My Tax Refund and Keep My Benefits? >>
The recently enacted 2008 federal budget bill includes a boost for community tax centers that help working families file tax returns for little to no cost. The bill authorizes an $8 million matching grant demonstration program for Community Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) programs through the end of Federal Fiscal Year 2009 (September 30, 2009). Community VITA programs play a critical role in Texas and across the nation by helping lower-income individuals claim valuable tax credits and refunds, including the Earned Income Tax Credit, and the Child Tax Credit. CPPP has prepared a short and user-friendly presentation to educate volunteer tax preparers about the impact of savings on public benefits eligibility, as well as new flyers (in English and Spanish) that volunteer tax preparers can give to their low-income clients when helping prepare their taxes.