Cooperative Ministry Provides Free Tax Return Preparation
January 26, 2013
COLUMBIA, SC – January 27, 2013 – The Cooperative Ministry’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program offers free tax help to families with a household income of less than $50,000. IRS-certified volunteers provide free basic income tax return preparation with electronic filing to qualified individuals in local communities.
In partnership with United Way of the Midlands, The Cooperative Ministry offers tax assistance sites every year in Richland, Lexington, Fairfield and Newberry counties. This year’s VITA kick off will take place February 2nd from 10am-2pm at The Cecil Tillis Center located at 2111 Simpkins Lane in Columbia.
The free income tax preparation is available to ensure hardworking families take advantage of all Earned Income and Child Tax Credits, leading to larger refunds and nearly immediate extra cash. VITA Director Ron King has been heading the program since it started 5 years ago. “Over that time thanks to the help of some wonderful volunteers, we’ve processed more than 8-thousand tax returns totaling more than 10 Million Dollars in refunds and tax credits in the Midlands.
VITA Volunteers promote Financial Stability. “The goal of this program is to help people maximize their income and plan for the future,” said Mac Bennett, President and CEO of United Way of the Midlands. “We are grateful to all of the partners and volunteers who make VITA successful year after year and have a tremendous impact where it’s needed most.”
When coming in for an appointment to have 2012 taxes done, participants should bring in a photo ID, Social Security card for all household members and W2s received from an employer. For more information on this year’ Tax Prep Sites visit www.coopmin.org and click on VITA under “How We Help.”
About The Cooperative Ministry
The Cooperative Ministry is Fighting Poverty through Crisis Assistance and Sustainability programs. We strive to stamp out poverty by moving Midlands families closer to the ultimate goal of self-sufficiency. In 2011, over 20,000 people were served by our programs.The Cooperative Ministry was founded by five downtown Columbia congregations in 1982 with the goal of establishing a collaborative method of administering assistance to those in need, while preventing duplication of services.To learn more visit. www.coopmin.org.
