Free Tax Preparation available now for Midlands residents
February 6, 2009
COLUMBIA, SC – February 5, 2009 – Through a United Way of the Midlands grant, The Cooperative Ministry is offering eight sites in Richland and Lexington County where households who earn less than $42,000 a year can have their taxes prepared for free.
This program allows participants to avoid refund anticipation loans, and get their taxes done for free. IRS Certified volunteer tax preparers take special care in making sure working Midlands residents are receiving all the money they deserve through the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), a refundable federal income tax credit for lower income working individuals and families.
In 2008, United Way of the Midlands managed the Volunteer Tax Assistance (VITA) program at sites hosted by community partners and returned almost $1 million to the Midlands community.
“We were able to make such an impact and reach so many last year. Through this United Way grant, Cooperative Ministry will be able to expand the free tax preparation program to include financial education components,” said Jennifer Moore, United Way of the Midlands.
Times and locations vary. Those interested in participating should dial 2-1-1, United Way of the Midlands information and referral service, for locations, qualifications and times.
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 80 certified partner agencies, 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.
