Qualifying Midlands taxpayers will receive free tax preparation
January 17, 2018
Households with less than $54,000 in annual income may qualify for free tax preparation assistance, which can lead to much-needed refunds and guidance toward using the refund as part of a plan for financial stability. The help is provided by The Cooperative Ministry in partnership with United Way of the Midlands and the Internal Revenue Service through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program.
This tax season more than 150 IRS-certified volunteers will go into action at 18 different Midlands sites, throughout eight counties. Tax preparation sites can be found at www.coopmin.org or by calling United Way’s 2-1-1 helpline. Sites are open during the daytime, evening and weekends to accommodate working individuals.
Assistance is available to anyone with a basic tax return making up to $54,000 per year in household income. Applicants must have a Photo ID, Social Security card for each individual included on the tax return, and all tax documents (W2s, 1099s, etc.).
“We are proud to partner with The Cooperative Ministry to offer the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance
(VITA) program since 2008. To date, the VITA program has helped more the 30,000 taxpayers and brought more than $20 million into the Midlands community through free tax preparation services and refund dollars. This free service helps Midlands households maximize their income, plan for the future, and improve their economic stability,” said Sara Fawcett, President and CEO of United Way of the Midlands.
“The average person pays $200-$300 in tax preparation fees when we could have completed them for free. Our goal is to keep more money in the pockets of the low to moderate income workers of South Carolina so that they have more money to pay their bills,” said Jessica Grote, VITA Program Director.
Qualifying taxpayers also have the option of filing online for free from the comfort of their own homes. United Way and H&R Block partner to offer MyFreeTaxes, a free online tax preparation for individuals and families who earned $66,000 or less in 2017. Taxpayers simply upload their W2’s to MyFreeTaxes.com any computer or smartphone. Free telephone and e-mail support are also available to help throughout the process.
About The Cooperative Ministry
The Cooperative Ministry’s mission is to increase the economic self-sufficiency of people experiencing poverty in the Midlands through crisis assistance and sustainability programs. For more information, please visit www.coopmin.org.
About United Way of the Midlands
United Way of the Midlands is the most organized, efficient and accountable system for investing in the community. With more than 70 Community Impact Partners, United Way works to identify and respond to the critical human service needs of Calhoun, Fairfield, Lexington, Newberry, Orangeburg, and Richland counties. Funds are raised through workplace campaigns, grant writing, and individual donations. For more information, please visit www.uway.org.
