makingCHANGE to Host Free Tax Prep Program

makingCHANGE, a Howard County non-profit organization, announced today that they will host a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) site that will open on January 19th and run throughout the 2013 tax season.

The Howard County site, like other VITA sites across the country, will offer free tax assistance preparation to most taxpayers who earned up to $50,000 in 2012.  The taxpayer’s eligibility for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) will also be determined. In addition to free tax return preparation, the site will also offer free electronic filing. Individuals who choose to take advantage of the e-file program will receive their refunds in half-the-time compared to returns filed on paper — even faster, when tax refunds are deposited directly into a bank account.

“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 President Mike Couch. “We encourage taxpayers who receive refunds to pay down their debts or consider saving for future needs. This year’s site will also provide access to other Howard County agencies that can provide additional services for families that need assistance.”

The Howard County VITA site will move to a new location this year at the North Laurel-Savage Multiservice Center, 9900 Washington Boulevard (Route 1) in Laurel, three days a week from January 19 through April 13: Mondays and Wednesdays from 4 to 8 p.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Appointments are encouraged and can be scheduled at the start of the New Year by calling 410-880-5917. This year’s tax deadline is April 15, 2013.

For more information, visit www.makingchangecenter.org/VITA.htm.