Catholic Charities offers free Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) to families making less than $50,000 a year. The program is part of Empower-U, which helps those in need break the cycle of poverty.
IRS-trained volunteers steer families and individuals through their taxes and help them get the maximum tax return. The Earned Income Tax Credit, the Child Tax Credit and the Credit for the Elderly or the Disabled might all come into play.
Earlier this month, Catholic Charities had helped 68 families and individuals receive nearly $186,000 in tax returns, according to Laura Toussaint-Newkirk of Catholic Charities. Even if there isn’t a return, individuals facing challenging economic times benefit from not having to pay more than $100 for help with a tax return. “It’s really free,” she said, referring to some other tax services that only offer free assistance with the 1040 EZ.
“People leave pretty happy from our site,” said Melissa Dunmore, of Catholic Charities, noting that the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) helps families get ahead. Volunteers go through 24-hours of IRS training.
And if someone does get a lot of money back, Catholic Charities shows them how to spend that money wisely and better their life — not just their television or stereo. Catholic Charities offers free programs to help individuals learn how to stop living paycheck to paycheck.
“Financial enterpreneurship helps them learn how to use credit appropriately,” Toussaint-Newkirk said. “We always need volunteers.”
What to bring:
- Social Security cards or IRS ITIN cards or letters for all household members
- Picture ID for tax payer and spouse
- Proof of all income, including W-2 and 1099
- Name, Address, and tax ID# of 2012 childcare provider(s) and amount paid
- Account and routing numbers direct deposit
- Copy of last year’s tax return (if available)
- If filing jointly, both adults must be present to sign the return
Where to bring it (in the greater Phoenix area and Yavapi County):
Catholic Charities Community Services – Phoenix
1825 W. Northern Ave., Phoenix 85021
Feb. 6 – April 6, 2013
Wednesdays, 4-7 p.m.
Saturdays, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Native American Connections – Phoenix
4520 N. Central Ave., Phoenix 85012
Every other Saturday starting Feb 2 – April 13, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Care 1st Avondale Resource and Housing Center – Avondale
328 W. Western Ave., Avondale 85323
Feb. 5 – April 6, 2013
Tuesdays, 5-7 p.m.
Saturdays, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Avondale City Hall – Avondale
1465 W. Civic Center Dr., Avondale 85323
Saturday, April 13, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. – one day only
Dysart Community Center – El Mirage
14414 N. El Mirage Rd., El Mirage 85335
Feb. 2 – April 23, 2013
Mondays, 4 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Thursdays, 4 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Catholic Charities Community Services – Prescott
434 W. Gurley St., Prescott 86301
Feb. 6 – April 13, 2013 – Closed March 30
Wednesdays, 5-8 p.m.
Saturdays, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Yavapai College – Prescott
1100 E. Sheldon, Bldg. 3 Room 204, Prescott 86301
Feb. 8 – April 12, 2013 – Closed March 29
Fridays, 10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Catholic Charities Community Services – Prescott Valley
3044 Tani Rd., Prescott Valley 85314
Feb. 7 – April 13, 2013 – Closed Feb. 16 and March 16 & 30
Thursdays, 5-8 p.m.
Saturdays, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Catholic Charities Community Services – Cottonwood
736 N. Main St., Cottonwood 86326
Feb. 6 – April 13 – Closed March 30
Wednesdays, 5-8 p.m.
Saturdays, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
