Free (Tax Prep and Money Mgmt)

1.       Free Tax Preparation Assistance Available for Qualified Individuals

 

Gaithersburg, MD – (January 7, 2013)  The annual Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, conducted in partnership with the City of Gaithersburg, the Montgomery County Community Action Agency, and Family Services, Inc., will open its doors for the 2012 tax season on Monday, January 28, 2013.  The VITA program offers free tax preparation assistance to low- and moderate-income individuals who earn less than $51,000 per year. Preparation is done by IRS-trained volunteers who assist taxpayers in determining if they are eligible for the earned income tax credit.  Services are offered in both English and Spanish.

 

In Gaithersburg, the VITA program is marketed under Bank On Gaithersburg, an initiative to draw unbanked and underbanked individuals into the financial mainstream. Staff from participating financial institutions will be on-site to provide information on free financial education and to open accounts for taxpayers interested in having their refund directly deposited.  For more information visit www.gaithersburgmd.gov/bankon.

 

This year, to ensure that all of the taxpayer’s needs are being met, volunteers will offer referral information to food, clothing and housing assistance. Hunger Solutions staff will also be on hand to help qualified people sign up for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

 

The Gaithersburg VITA site, located at 610 East Diamond Avenue, will be open for appointments on Mondays, January 28 through April 15, from 2 to 8 p.m. To make an appointment, call  240-777-1123 weekdays between 9 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Calls received after 5:30 p.m. will be returned the next business day.

 

Additional VITA sites are located in Rockville, Silver Spring and Takoma Park.  For more information on these locations, please call the Montgomery County Information Line at 311 or visit www.montgomerycountymd.gov/311.

 

 

 

2.       Free Money Management Program for Seniors

 

Our Volunteer Bill Payer Program matches seniors (62+ with an annual income that does not exceed $45,500.00) with a volunteer who will help to manage monthly income and expenses, organize paperwork and pay bills on time.  Supported by the AARP Foundation, our program offers coverage that protects the client’s funds which always remain within the client’s control.  This is a FREE service that helps seniors feel more financially secure PLUS enjoy the companionship of a new friend.

 

Attached is the application form for the Bill Payer Program, a brochure and a program description.  Please contact Mary Murphy at  301-942-1049 for a presentation to your clients/residents about the Bill Payer Program and answer any questions.