United Way offers free tax preparation services

BRATTLEBORO — United Way of Windham County is offering two programs that provide free federal and state income-tax preparation services to eligible taxpayers: the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program and MyFreeTaxes.com.

More than 70 percent of American tax filers don't know they can save $200 in tax preparation fees every year by using MyFreeTaxes.com, the first free national, online tax filing platform.

MyFreeTaxes.com provides free federal and state tax preparation and filing assistance online to eligible households earning up to $62,000 a year.

Last year, more than 200,000 tax returns were filed on MyFreeTaxes.com, a 2,400 percent increase since the platform launched in 2009. It is an easy, fast and secure federal and state tax filing site powered by H & R Block. The online tool allows eligible taxpayers to self-file for free using a simple step-by-step process that includes telephone and online chat support.

United Way is also partnering with libraries and other community sites to provide access to MyFreeTaxes.com on a computer with high-speed internet for the public's use. Call 2-1-1 for location and access information.

United Way of Windham County also operates a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) site in Brattleboro, where IRS-certified volunteers provide free tax preparation to eligible taxpayers earning up to $54,000 per year.

VITA services are provided by appointment on Wednesdays and some Saturdays, beginning Feb. 3. VITA services are provided throughout Vermont. Call 2-1-1 for more information and to make an appointment at a location near you.

For more information on these two free tax preparation services, visit the United Way of Windham County's website at www.unitedwaywindham.org or call 802.257.4011.

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