Free Tax Services for Low-to-Moderate Income Area Residents

WASHINGTON, Feb. 17, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- United Way of The National Capital Area (United Way NCA) has been selected to participate in United Way Worldwide's (UWW) ongoing effort to provide financial literacy throughout the Greater Washington community. As recipients of two grants, one from The Walmart Foundation and the other from Bank of America, United Way NCA will provide funding for two Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) programs (free tax preparation sites and free tax preparation services) to help low-to-moderate income area residents file their taxes and get the most from their returns.

Throughout the months of February and March, United Way NCA, along with One Economy and the Mobile Tax Van will provide individuals and families with access to computers and online tax preparation platforms. The Mobile Tax Van will be equipped with laptops, tables and chairs, and will travel to sites around the Washington Metropolitan Area. Individuals can visit any of the sites listed below, but must have an Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) of less than $57,000 per year to participate.

In addition to offering self-preparation tax sites, United Way NCA, along with the Capital Area Asset Builders (CAAB) and the Fairfax County Department of Family Service (Northern Virginia Cash Campaign) will offer free tax preparation services by Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) professionals until April 18th. Individuals must have an annual income of less than $22,000, and families should have a combined annual income of less than $42,000 to participate. Dates and times of the free tax preparation service are below.

"We believe EITC benefits the community by providing real tax breaks to some of the folks that need it the most," said Bill Hanbury, President and CEO of the United Way. "I want to thank our valued partners: Bank of America, The Walmart Foundation, United Planning Organization, Capital Area Asset Builders and the Fairfax County Department of Family Services for helping to provide such an important and vital service to our local community."

The official EITC program kicked off in Washington, DC on Saturday, February 5 at the Petey Greene Community Services Center. Eleanor Holmes Norton; Mayor, Vincent Gray, Council Chair, Kwame Brown; At-Large Councilmember, Michael Brown, At-Large Councilmember, Sekou Biddle; Councilmember, Marion Barry, Ward 8; Councilmember, Yvette Alexander, Ward 7; Councilmember, Jim Graham, Ward 1; and United Planning Organization President and CEO, Dana Jones were among those who attended.

For additional information regarding EITC programs, or to learn how you can volunteer, visit www.unitedwaynca.org.

About United Way NCA

United Way of the National Capital Area is the largest and most enduring social change organization in the Washington metropolitan area. We create connections that make a difference, linking donor dollars to worthy causes, companies to community, and neighbors-in-need to vital services.

Focusing on the critical areas of Education, Income and Health – the building blocks of a good quality of life – United Way of the National Capital Area not only provides immediate relief of problems affecting area residents, but also works to alleviate the underlying causes. Understanding the interconnectedness of community, we work in collaboration with our member charities, government, area businesses, and community leaders in order to improve lives throughout the region. For more information, visit www.unitedwaynca.org.

SOURCE United Way of the National Capital Area