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United Way's Erie FREE Taxes Sites Open Jan. 25
The United Way of Erie offers free tax preparation for residents of Erie County through the Erie Free Tax/VITA program.
January 20, 2016 at 1:45 PM
Ken Teegardin
'Tis the season. No, not that season. That season is over and done, and has possibly left you with some financial headaches. Tax season can help alleviate that financial stress through tax refunds.
But those refunds come with some headaches of their own. The main stress being tax preparation. Form 1040,1040a,1040xyz,W-2's,W-4's,WD-40, etc. What does it all mean?
Fear not: Help is here; not only here, but help is free.
The United Way of Erie offers free tax preparation for residents of Erie County through the Erie Free Tax/VITA program. Erie Free Taxes helps eligible low and moderate income wage-earners to claim the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) by providing free tax preparation services through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA).
If you are a resident of Erie County who makes less than $54,000 annually, you are eligible for free tax preparation. Even if you do not have a permanent address or the documents necessary, Erie Free Taxes can help you.
Erie Free Taxes can also determine if you are eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit. This credit is often available even if you do not owe anything in taxes. This could mean money in your pocket, and how often does that happen? If you are a fellow sufferer of empty pocket syndrome, you will probably agree with me: not often enough.
With 11 service locations in the City of Erie, and county locations in Corry, Edinboro, Fairview, Girard, and North East, VITA tax preparation services are accessible to all residents. Most VITA locations offer appointment-only services, but a few do offer walk-in services. Drop-off services are even available at some locations for anyone with time constraints.
For those who prefer to prepare their own taxes and make less than $60,000 annually, online services are available through Erie Free Taxes at UnitedWayErie.org/ErieFreeTaxes. – Angie Jeffery
If you would like to find out more about VITA tax preparation services and the Earned Income Tax Credit, call 456.2937, ext. 236 or visit UnitedWayErie.org/ErieFreeTaxes.