(Greensboro, NC – February 10, 2015) – It’s tax season and there is a lot to know. United Way of Greater Greensboro is helping individuals and families access free tax preparation services available in our community to keep and grow their money.
“Our community’s free tax preparation services will help many families get Earned Income Tax Credit and the maximum refund they’re due,” says Frank McCain, vice president of community investment and impact at United Way of Greater Greensboro. “This is money they can save or use to pay off bills, help buy that car to get to work or contribute to a down payment on a home.”
FREE TAX ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE IN GREENSBORO

If your household earned $60,000 or less in 2014, you qualify for free tax preparation. United Way has partnered with many local organizations to provide free tax preparation services for low- to moderate-income households in the Greater Greensboro area.
There are TWO KINDS of free tax assistance.
1. In-person Tax Preparation and Filing: Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) offers IRS-trained volunteers to prepare taxes for people with a household income of $53,000 or less in 2014.
See the list of VITA locations and times in Greater Greensboro.
Taxpayers should bring to their appointment:
a. Any tax documents such as forms W-2, 1099, or 1098.
b. Social Security cards or ITIN letters for ALL persons on your tax return. If you don’t have the original Social Security card available, a photocopy of the card is acceptable, or an official government letter with proof of the Social Security number for the individual. The volunteer must see the document. You cannot just tell them the number from memory–no exceptions.
c. Picture ID (such as valid driver’s license) for you and, if you are filing jointly with your spouse, a photo ID for your spouse as well.
d. For direct deposit of your refund, you must have proof of financial institution information (like a blank check).
e. Not required but a good idea is to have a copy of your previous year tax return.
2. Online Tax Preparation: Individuals in households earning up to $60,000 can file their returns for themselves online at www.MyFreeTaxes.com, provided by H&R Block in cooperation with the Walmart Foundation, Goodwill Industries International, National Disability Institute, and United Way Worldwide. Taxpayers filing online have access to tax law experts through online chat or a toll-free phone number. This is a good option for people who have relatively simple returns, confidence in using the Internet, and a desire to be able to file their own taxes independently.
UNITED WAY’S FAMILY ECONOMIC SUCCESS DAY – Friday, February 27
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United Way and BB&T have teamed up to offer free in-person tax preparation services, financial management workshops, and free credit reports. Learn more at www.unitedwaygso.org

EITC COULD MEAN MORE MONEY IN THE BANK.
The IRS estimates that one in five eligible workers do not get the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) they have earned. United Way wants everyone who is eligible for the credit to receive it. If you earned less than $52,427 from wages or running a business or farm, see if you qualify for EITC.

EITC is designed to “make work pay,” by supplementing eligible workers’ earnings with additional income. The amount of the credit varies depending on filing status, the number of qualifying children, if any, and the amount of earnings. This money not only helps workers and their families, but the communities in which they live. On average, EITC adds $2,400 to working families’ refunds. Receive general guidance about EITC by calling MyFreeTaxes at 1-855-MY-TX-HELP (1-855-698-9435).
The 2015 Greater Greensboro Free Tax Prep Coalition includes: BB&T Bank, City of Greensboro, Greensboro Housing Authority, Guilford Child Development, Housing Consultants Group, Internal Revenue Service – Stakeholder Partnerships, Education and Communication (SPEC), Jamestown Public Library, Mt. Zion Baptist Church, North Carolina A&T State University, Piedmont Health Services and Sickle Cell Agency, Senior Resources of Guilford, Shepherd’s Center, The Arc of Greensboro, The Volunteer Center of Greensboro, True Salvation Outreach Ministry, United Way of Greater Greensboro, and YWCA of Greensboro.
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United Way of Greater Greensboro makes investments in our community to serve those in need so that all individuals and families can succeed. United Way is a worldwide network in 41 countries and territories, including more than 1,200 local organizations in the U.S. United Way recruits people and organizations who bring the passion, expertise and resources needed to get things done. To give, advocate and volunteer, visit www.UnitedWayGSO.org.