Tax assistance program accepting applications
NORWICH – The Creating Assets, Savings and Hope (CASH) Coalition – which provides free tax preparation assistance for low-income working families or individuals – met Thursday morning in preparation for the 2011 tax season.
CASH was formed in 2004 when information was released which stated approximately $2.3 million of tax refunds were going unclaimed in Chenango County. In addition, many families were not receiving their Earned Income Tax Credits (EITC) due to incorrect tax filing or by not filing at all.
According to coalition member Connie Gaines, the EITC is the number one way for children and low-income families to be brought above the poverty level.
A group of 11 Chenango and Madison County organizations came together to address the issue as part of an anti-poverty campaign – including AARP Tax Aid; Chenango County’s Catholic Charities, United Way, Cornell Cooperative Extension and Opportunities For Chenango; Colgate University and The Upstate Institute; Community Action Program for Madison County, GHS Federal Credit Union; the IRS SPEC Office and the Madison County Department of Social Services.
While there are specific guidelines for eligibility, the coalition typically provides assistance to any individual or family that’s earning less than $50,000 per household. Those interested must have an appointment, which can be set up by calling 336-2101. Callers will be instructed to leave a message answering some preliminary questions and will receive a return call at a later date.
“We really wish more people would take advantage of this,” said CASH Coalition Vice-Chair Alice Andrews. “Especially due to the fact that it’s a free service.”
The coalition will also hold its annual Greene Outreach program on Saturdays throughout February at the Greene Memorial Library, which offers the same free tax preparation services. Those interested must also call 336-2101 to set up an appointment.
Low to moderate income senior citizens, however, must contact the Chenango County Area Agency on Aging at 337-1770 for an appointment. Those approved will have their tax returns prepared at Guernsey Memorial Library.
“This is a valuable service available for senior citizens,” said coalition member Joe Stewart.
CASH Coalition Secretary Elizabeth Monaco reported the project is run primarily by volunteers, most of whom attend Colgate University. This year, 62 Colgate students – who receive no school credit or compensation of any kind – registered for the program.
Those preparing tax forms must undergo an IRS testing process for certification and the coalition has its own IRS representative on hand, added Monaco.
Kim Lorraine, lead chairperson for the coalition, said it was important for anyone using Schedule A or claiming the Educator Expense or Tuition and Fees Deduction to understand they will have to wait to e-file until mid to late February. This will impact all taxpayers, not only those who participate in the CASH program, she added.
TAXWISE, the tax system utilized by the coalition, will have rejections or acceptance notifications within hours, stated Lorraine, a process which used to take days. Those accepted will typically receive their refund within two weeks.
All applicants must have their Photo ID, Social Security card, exact birth dates for all those listed on their tax form, yearly wages and income statements, W2 forms, a copy of last year’s income tax form and a check copy from their checking account to verify direct deposit information.
For more information, Chenango County residents and senior citizens should call 336-2101 and 337-1770 respectively.
CASH was formed in 2004 when information was released which stated approximately $2.3 million of tax refunds were going unclaimed in Chenango County. In addition, many families were not receiving their Earned Income Tax Credits (EITC) due to incorrect tax filing or by not filing at all.
According to coalition member Connie Gaines, the EITC is the number one way for children and low-income families to be brought above the poverty level.
A group of 11 Chenango and Madison County organizations came together to address the issue as part of an anti-poverty campaign – including AARP Tax Aid; Chenango County’s Catholic Charities, United Way, Cornell Cooperative Extension and Opportunities For Chenango; Colgate University and The Upstate Institute; Community Action Program for Madison County, GHS Federal Credit Union; the IRS SPEC Office and the Madison County Department of Social Services.
While there are specific guidelines for eligibility, the coalition typically provides assistance to any individual or family that’s earning less than $50,000 per household. Those interested must have an appointment, which can be set up by calling 336-2101. Callers will be instructed to leave a message answering some preliminary questions and will receive a return call at a later date.
“We really wish more people would take advantage of this,” said CASH Coalition Vice-Chair Alice Andrews. “Especially due to the fact that it’s a free service.”
The coalition will also hold its annual Greene Outreach program on Saturdays throughout February at the Greene Memorial Library, which offers the same free tax preparation services. Those interested must also call 336-2101 to set up an appointment.
Low to moderate income senior citizens, however, must contact the Chenango County Area Agency on Aging at 337-1770 for an appointment. Those approved will have their tax returns prepared at Guernsey Memorial Library.
“This is a valuable service available for senior citizens,” said coalition member Joe Stewart.
CASH Coalition Secretary Elizabeth Monaco reported the project is run primarily by volunteers, most of whom attend Colgate University. This year, 62 Colgate students – who receive no school credit or compensation of any kind – registered for the program.
Those preparing tax forms must undergo an IRS testing process for certification and the coalition has its own IRS representative on hand, added Monaco.
Kim Lorraine, lead chairperson for the coalition, said it was important for anyone using Schedule A or claiming the Educator Expense or Tuition and Fees Deduction to understand they will have to wait to e-file until mid to late February. This will impact all taxpayers, not only those who participate in the CASH program, she added.
TAXWISE, the tax system utilized by the coalition, will have rejections or acceptance notifications within hours, stated Lorraine, a process which used to take days. Those accepted will typically receive their refund within two weeks.
All applicants must have their Photo ID, Social Security card, exact birth dates for all those listed on their tax form, yearly wages and income statements, W2 forms, a copy of last year’s income tax form and a check copy from their checking account to verify direct deposit information.
For more information, Chenango County residents and senior citizens should call 336-2101 and 337-1770 respectively.
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