Waterbury, VT –  Community Action Agencies throughout the state offer free, basic tax preparation to Vermont households earning less than $49,000 a year.

If you are eligible, a trained volunteer can help prepare your taxes and tell you about tax credits that may help you keep more of your income. These include:

• Earned Income Credit (the IRS estimates that 25% of taxpayers who qualify for this credit do not claim it);
• Child and Dependent Care Credit;
• Retirement Savings Contribution;
• Education Credit;
• Vermont property tax adjustment; and
• Making Work Pay Credit.

To find the Community Action Agency in your area, dial 2-1-1 and ask for your local tax site. This free service begins at the end of January and runs through April. Call today! 

The Office of Economic Opportunity administers the federal Community Services Block Grants that allow the five Community Action Agencies in Vermont to provide direct services to low-income Vermonters. These services include emergency food shelves, utility assistance, free tax preparation, job counseling, nutrition education, housing placement and retention, and advocacy.

# # #

Released: March 28, 2011