Loaves & Fishes VITA Tax Preparation Program Kicks Off Thursday

Tax time is here again and is ready to help get residents’ taxes in order. The nonprofit’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program kicks off again for tax season Thursday. 

Last year, the , which provides free tax services for those who qualify. 

Trained volunteers will be available to help households with an income below $49,000 in the 2011 tax year prepare and submit their tax returns, according to Loaves & Fishes.

The program provides a vital need for taxpayers and low-income families who are able to avoid the cost of tax preparation while still receiving their refunds in a timely manner, according to the nonprofit. 

The VITA program will also put an increased focus on the Earned Income Tax Credit when volunteers prepare tax returns, Loaves & Fishes said. It is expected that there will be an increase in the number of workers qualifying for the credit for the first time this year because their earnings dropped or their marital or parental statuses changed in 2011. Others who may benefit from the credit may be unaware they qualify, including workers without children, grandparents raising grandchildren and people with English as a second language.

The certified volunteers preparing returns at Loaves & Fishes will help clients who may qualify for up to $5,751 through the Earned Income Tax Credit. Filing a tax return is a must to determine if a taxpayer qualifies for the credit.

The VITA program volunteers will be available Jan. 26-Feb. 14: Thursdays from 3:30 – 6:30 p.m., and Fridays and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.  No appointment is necessary. 

For more information, visit http://www.loaves-fishes.org/VITA.html.