NOC Offers Tax Filing Assistance
Versión para impresora
NOC partnered in March with VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) and USCB (University of South Carolina-Beaufort), to bring in IRS trained professionals to help residents of Oaks Apartments to complete income tax returns for 2009 electronically. VITA focuses on the IRS's poverty reduction program, which makes available income tax credits for individuals below certain poverty income levels. Many individuals and families in the Oaks Apartments have income below the poverty threshold.
This initiative had two objectives: (a) Assist families in understanding and taking advantage of tax credits to augment their household income; and (b) Help low-income families in poor neighborhoods to file their income tax free of charge. The first phase of the project dealt with marketing and increasing awareness of the importance of completing income tax forms correctly to take advantage of various tax credits. Flyers, posters, and door-to door interaction with households in the Oaks neighborhood were used to communicate with families. Flyers and posters were also made available in other neighborhoods such as Sandalwood Apartments and Hilton Head Gardens. The second phase of the project included a workshop to explain the topic and to enroll individuals who required help in completing their tax returns. The workshop was followed by three help sessions to complete forms electronically by appointment. A number of individuals participated in this program.
The team managing this initiative included Theresa Jackson, Project Director, VITA, Adam Segal, Civic Engagement coordinator, USCB, Emilio Anchorena, Technical Specialist (USCB), and Dana Gilbert, Field Director, NOC.