File your taxes for free with The Cooperative Ministry
January 22, 2016
The Cooperative Ministry’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program offers free tax help to families with a household income of $54,000 or less. IRS-certified volunteers provide free basic income tax return preparation with electronic filing to qualified individuals in local communities.
In partnership with the United Way of the Midlands, The Cooperative Ministry offers tax assistance sites in Richland, Lexington, Fairfield and Newberry counties.
This year’s Super Saturday Kickoff takes place Saturday, January 23 from 10:00 a.m. until 2 p.m. at 3 locations. Join us at The Cooperative Ministry on 3821 West Beltline Boulevard in Columbia, The Cecil Tillis Community Center located at 2111 Simpkins Lane in Columbia, or First Nazareth Baptist Church, 2351 Gervais Street.
Free 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 Kara Simmons has been heading the program for the last two years.
“Over that time thanks to the help of some wonderful volunteers, we’ve prepared more than 10 thousand tax returns totaling more than 7.5 million dollars in refunds and tax credits in the Midlands,” Simmons says.
The VITA program promotes 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.
Participants should have a valid photo ID and a Social Security card for all household members and W2s received from an employer.
For more information on this year’s Tax Prep Sites visit www.coopmin.org and click on “Financing Your Future” under “How We Help,” or dial 2-1-1- United Way’s Helpline.
For more information contact: Kara Simmons, [email protected]
803-779-3853.
