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Release Date: January 19, 2005 City of San Antonio Communications Office: 207-7235 Free, fast tax return preparation assistance available Volunteer Income
Tax Assistance sites open today
Through the San Antonio Coalition for Family Economic Progress (SACFEP), the City’s Department of Community Initiatives (DCI) announced the opening of its Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites today. These sites will prepare tax returns through use of the electronic filing system free of charge for local residents with household incomes up to $36,000. SACFEP will operate 27 VITA sites beginning today through April 15. These sites will maintain day and evening hours, plus Saturdays at most locations. The primary goal of the VITA program is to help more eligible working families apply for the EITC and Child Tax Credit. Twenty-three percent of San Antonio families who qualify for the EITC do not collect, which translates to more than $85 million in unclaimed federal dollars. “This free service ensures working families receive all of the credits they are due and returns $1,500 to the average taxpayer,” said Mayor Ed Garza. This year, the EITC provides up to $4,300 to reduce the tax burden on low-income workers and the Child Tax Credit is worth $1,000. When visiting the VITA sites, taxpayers should bring the following items:
“VITA provides a great public service to our residents. Last year, the coalition provided this free service to more than 20,000 San Antonio residents, saving these taxpayers approximately $4 million in tax preparation fees, while returning $30 million in refunds to those citizens and San Antonio. Our working families have earned it, and now we want to help them claim it, so they can invest it in their families’ well-being,” said Dennis Campa, director of DCI. According to a recent economic impact study conducted by Texas Perspectives, EITC serves as a major economic generator in San Antonio. The average EITC for San Antonio families was $1,952. The economic impact of EITC participation supports over 5,100 jobs. It also produces more than $3.6 million in tax revenue for the City’s budget. “VITA has made San Antonio a national leader in offering working families free tax preparation services,” said Campa. Among U.S. cities, the 20,000 returns prepared locally by coalition sites was the second highest number of returns completed by a coalition said Campa regarding contributions of the YO members to the VITA program. Only New York City completed a greater number of free tax returns. In addition to filing taxes, the campaign will connect clients to other services and public benefits for which they may qualify including food stamps, child-care assistance, children’s health insurance and Individual Development Accounts. Working families who use main stream credit union or banking services can save hundreds of dollars annually in transaction costs. It is estimated that 40% of tax filers using VITA are not members of a financial institution. SACFEP also proposes to assist tax filers in becoming banker with a reputable financial institution. The San Antonio Coalition for Family Economic Progress is a partnership between the City of San Antonio, United Way of San Antonio-Bexar County, Internal Revenue Service, Our Lady of the Lake University, Making Connections a local initiative of the Annie E. Casey Foundation, Catholic Charities and other community and faith-based organizations. Taxpayers with questions about VITA or to locate a site can call the United Way helpline at 227-4357 or 211. For more information on other services provided by DCI, call 207-6366 or visit www.sanantonio.gov/comminit. |