The River Center Family and Community Resource Center’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program is adding another free tax preparation option to help local residents who qualify with a Drive-Thru Valet VITA event on Saturday, June 27 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, The River Center’s free tax program has had to develop an alternative way to assist residents with filing their tax returns and since March the program has been offering Virtual VITA and DIY VITA with the entire process taking place over the phone and electronically. The River Center acknowledges the looming July 15 deadline for filers who will owe taxes and is offering tax services such as preparing returns for 2016-2019 tax years and extensions while protecting the safety and well-being of volunteers, staff and filers through this Drive-Thru Valet VITA event.
Drop-Off Packets can be picked up from a box located in the front entrance lobby of 9 Vose Farm Road or downloaded from the website at https://rivercenter.us/freetaxprep. Filers will be required to complete necessary forms and enclose required documents in the provided envelope and then drop off their tax return information on June 27 without leaving their vehicles. Tax returns will be processed and ready for pick-up on July 11, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Filers who wish to take part must be available on both dates and also by phone to complete both an intake interview and return review.
“Income tax returns can be daunting for many of us.” says Margaret Nelson, Executive Director of The River Center. “The VITA volunteers are here to help get them done – and for free! I have seen and heard the worry and concern before tax preparation and then the smiles and appreciation when the taxes are done. In many cases the refund has been calculated, and they are all set for another year. I am so grateful for the staff and many volunteers who make this happen.”
VITA is crucial to those residents with fixed incomes, people with disabilities, and those who are struggling to make ends meet. The program allows individuals and families with low- and moderate-incomes to maximize their refunds through tax credits such as the Earned Income and the Child Tax Credits, avoiding preparation and filing fees which can add up to $200 or more.
VITA volunteers are IRS-certified and receive specialized training, resulting in high accuracy rates. They use their knowledge and training to help filers navigate the changing tax laws and access credits or deductions that may be overlooked. Volunteers can also make direct referrals for financial coaching to The River Center’s Money Coaching program for people who are looking for assistance in making sense of their finances, especially important now due to the economic disruption that COVID-19 has caused in the lives of many.
Visit https://rivercenter.us or call us at (603) 924-6800 for more information. Questions can also be directed to taxes@rivercenter.us.