Volunteer Income Tax Assistance
Yes, the economy is bad, but there’s something you can do about it locally. Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) brings a million dollars from federal and state refunds into our county. You can volunteer to help. Contact Santa Cruz Community Credit Union at 460-2347 or Project SCOUT at 724-2606 or toll-free 1-877-373-8297. Training and orientations are starting now.
This isn’t your usual charity; this activity helps people claim the refunds and credits that they deserve for working. The only limit to the number of low-income Santa Cruz and Monterey County families who are assisted next tax season is the number of volunteers who join now. Spanish speakers are needed.
Depending on income and the number of children, a family can receive up to a $4,824 Earned Income Tax Credit. When added to other credits, like the Child Tax Credit, this boosts a family’s earning power. Think about this: Working for $8.50 an hour, a full-time working single parent with two children ends up with an $11.00 an hour job when the Credits are added back in.
Santa Cruz and Monterey counties have formed a coalition to promote this valuable service.With e-filing and direct deposit, people can have their hard-earned funds within ten days. Because it’s fast and free, there’s absolutely no reason for cash-strapped families to not use VITA. No reason, that is, unless there aren’t enough volunteers to serve the need. If you have wondered what one person can do in the face of this economic crisis, think about giving ten weeks of volunteering to bring in a total $45,000 in refunds and credits to low-income wage earners. Consider making VITA your gift of time to your community.
thanks,
Ellen F. Murtha
Program Manager
Santa Cruz Community Credit Union
(831) 460-2345
emurtha@scruzccu.org
www.scruzccu.org
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