NORWICH – Chenango United Way has announced that it has received a grant from United Way of New York State to help individuals and families Chenango County to obtain tax preparation assistance and unrealized tax refunds through the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). United Way of New York State is one of just two statewide and 31 local United Ways across the nation to receive grants from a unique national partnership between United Way of America and the Bank of America Charitable Foundation. More than $500,000 is supporting EITC efforts across the country, with Bank of America associate volunteers participating in many local efforts as well.

“This Bank of America investment in EITC work in New York State will further enhance our efforts to promote a critical program that increases eligible families’ access to the tax credit. Last year’s EITC outreach & free tax prep services, resulted in more than $14 million in federal and state EITC refunds to eligible New York State working families. Local coalitions are reporting even greater success this year,” according to Mary A. Shaheen, Vice President for United Way of New York State.

EITC campaigns, as they are commonly called, typically include marketing and outreach to eligible filers; free tax preparation for low-income individuals and families (those earning under $38,000 annually) using volunteer tax preparers; financial education and other asset building opportunities. These campaigns are spearheaded by local coalitions that include United Ways, the IRS, financial institutions, human services organizations, local colleges and universities and the IRS.