'It's helped thousands:' Program offering free tax assistance for low-income families $35K short this season
MILWAUKEE -- Tax season is often paired with procrastination and headaches. To help lift some of the burden, Milwaukee's Social Development Commission (SDC) launched its annual Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program on Friday, Jan. 26.
The program called "VITA" for short, provides free tax filing for qualified residents. Last year, it saved taxpayers an estimated $1.4 million in fees.
"There's two things we have to do in life: pay taxes and die," said George Hinton, CEO of the Social Development Commission.
George Hinton
Hinton officially kicked off the program Friday.
"We can't do a lot with the whole dying part, but our community, we're here to help with the taxes," said Hinton.
Milwaukee County residents earning a household income of less than $58,000 per year, qualify for VITA.
"It's helped thousands of people and saved millions and millions of dollars that go back into this community," said Donald Cohen, Landmark Credit Union.
The SDC offers free tax prep at its three Milwaukee sites now through this year's April 17 tax deadline.
Russell Stamper
"There's nothing better than getting something for free, especially something so vital, money that you need to live your life," said Milwaukee Alderman Russell Stamper II.
With a handful of partners, taxpayers can also receive advice beyond filing.
"One of the coolest things about our program is that we not only provide the taxes, we provide a pathway to help them meet their goals," said Diane Robinson, VITA manager. "They're able to maximize the use of those returns to buy homes, to buy cars, to start a business, to further their education."
"It's one of those wonderful programs that needs to keep going," said Cohen.
The Social Development Commission needs $350,000 to run the program, but this year...
"We're almost at our goal, but we are $35,000 short," said Stamper.
That money is needed by Jan. 31 to ensure VITA will remain open all of tax season.
To learn more about the program or to make a donation, CLICK HERE.