VITA Provides Vital Service for Low-Income Earners

VITA stands for ‘Volunteer Income Tax Assistance’ and it’s a free service that helps low-income families recoup thousands of dollars at tax time. How much is at stake? More than many taxpayers might imagine. Families earning under $54,000 annually may qualify for:

• Up to $2,100 from the federal Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit
• Up to $6,318 from the federal Earned Income Tax Credit
• Up to $1,737 from the Connecticut Earned Income Tax Credit
• Up to $1,000 per child from the federal Child Tax Credit

And, because the service is free, families struggling to make ends meet can also avoid the expense of hiring a professional tax preparer.

In 2015 alone, 570 Middlesex County area residents qualified for more than $770,000 in funds due them. Those who filed with Middletown VITA sites had an average adjusted gross income of about $21,000 and received an average refund of $1,656, money they earned.

What could you do with $1,600? Pay off some bills? Catch up on rent? Stock your food shelves? Get a car repair? A VITA windfall for those who qualify could make all the difference in easing financial circumstances.

Interested? read more about VITA and find help near you