Volunteer Income Tax Assistance sites open until April 17

The April 17 tax season filing deadline is fast approaching and the City’s Department of Community Initiatives (DCI) and its partners in the San Antonio Coalition for Family Economic Progress (SACFEP) want to encourage eligible taxpayers who have not filed their 2006 income tax return to take advantage of the services offered through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program.

Taxpayers earning up to $40,000 a year can have their tax returns prepared free of charge at a VITA site. VITA offers electronic filing to provide faster refunds and save individuals an average of $200 in tax preparation fees. For the first time this year, taxpayers can have their refunds directly deposited into as many as three separate accounts.

Since the start of this year’s VITA Program in January, the Coalition has completed more than 22,000 tax returns free of charge for local residents resulting in more than $40 million in tax refunds returned to San Antonio taxpayers with an average refund of $1,750 for these working families.

"At our VITA sites, we not only process tax returns, but we also connect our clients with asset-building services, programs promoting home ownership, post-secondary educational opportunities and other public benefits,” said Dennis Campa, Director of DCI.

Taxpayers who are eligible for VITA may also qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Child Tax Credit (CTC). The EITC is a refundable credit available to many low to moderate income working individuals and families. Taxpayers who qualify for EITC can receive a maximum tax credit up to $4,500.

“The EITC serves as possibly the single most effective program that lifts working families out of poverty, said Campa. “By increasing the rate of participation in the EITC, the VITA program is making significant strides in increasing workforce participation, improving financial stability for low-income families, and increasing the purchasing power of communities throughout San Antonio.”

In addition to EITC, the IRS is offering a one-time refund to all telephone customers who paid excise tax on long-distance service after February 28, 2003 and before August 1, 2006. Refunds will range from $30 to $60. Individuals who do not have to file income taxes can also claim the telephone excise tax credit. VITA volunteers can assist participants with this process.

When visiting a VITA site, taxpayers should bring the following items:

• Driver’s license or photo ID

• Social security cards or Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers for all family members; those who are filing jointly must bring their spouse

• All income documentation (W-2, 1099 forms)

• Checking and/or savings account numbers (up to three accounts) for deposit of their refund directly to their account

For information on VITA or to locate a site, call 227-4357 or 211. For more information on other services provided by DCI, call 207-8198 or visit www.sanantonio.gov/comminit.
 

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