MakingChange, a Howard County non-profit organization that is changing lives by empowering individuals and families to achieve financial stability, is hosting a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) site at The Multiservice Center in North Laurel.
The Howard County site, like other VITA sites across the country, offers free tax assistance preparation and filing to most taxpayers who earned up to $54,000 in 2015. The taxpayer’s eligibility for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) will also be determined. In addition to free tax return preparation, the site offers free direct deposit of refunds, free pre-paid cards for receipts of the refund, letters to cash refund checks for free at a local bank and the option to purchase U.S. savings bonds.
“The VITA site saves families the cost of tax preparation while also ensuring that they receive the tax credits for which they are eligible,” said MakingChange Executive Director Mike Couch. “We encourage taxpayers who receive refunds to pay down their debts and consider saving for future needs. This year’s site also provides access to other Howard County agencies that can provide additional services for families that need assistance.”
The VITA site is located at The Multiservice Center, 9900 Washington Boulevard (Route 1) in Laurel. Appointments can be scheduled at http://bit.ly/makingchangevita or call 410-313-0220. Alternatively, tax payers who made less than $62,000 can file their own Federal and State tax returns for free at http://www.myfreetaxes.com. This year’s tax deadline is Monday, April 18, 2016.
MakingChange provides group seminars and personal coaching to teach people to manage their money and change their lives. Its programs are offered in schools, human service agencies and businesses. For more information, visit www.makingchange.hocomojo.org.
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