"VITA Program"

What is "VITA"?
It is a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program..

Who is Involved?
VITA is a United Way of Eastern LaSalle County Partnership with the IRS to provide FREE tax preparation. Ottawa Savings Bank donated their facility as the host VITA site in processing the 2008 tax returns. United Way is collaborating with the Department of Human Service and the staff at Illinois Valley Community College.

Who is eligible to receive "VITA" assistance?
Low to moderate income workers and families.

What are the benefits of "VITA'?
Some people are eligible and do not know how to claim benefits. Taxpayers may qualify for Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Child Tax Credits (CTC). They could end up paying less federal tax, pay no tax, or receive a refund. In fact, according to the IRS for tax year 2005, almost $11 million in EITC and CTC was not claimed by people living in communities served by United Way of Eastern LaSalle County.

You may be eligible: Families with two or more children who earned less than $38,646 in 2008 (or less than $41,646 for married workers) are eligible for a credit of up to $4,824. Families with one child who earn less than $33,995 in 2008 (or less than $36,995 for married workers) are eligible for a credit of up to $2,917. Workers without a qualifying child who earn less than $12,880 in 2008 (or less than $15880 for married workers) are eligible for a credit of up to $438. The Child Tax Credit is up to $1,000 per qualifying child. The Additional Child Tax Earnings Threshold is $12,050 in 2008.

How can I make an appointment to have my taxes done?
Local tax assistance will be offered again in February and March of 2010. United Way makes it easy and convenient for people to file their taxes through e-file. Our tax site can also arrange for direct deposit of refunds to your local bank.

How can I volunteer to help?
United Way of Eastern LaSalle County is proud to have had 15 tax preparers committed to helping at our tax site this first year. Our tax volunteers are people just like you. United Way works with you to become an IRS trained community volunteer. If you are interested in helping with tax preparation in 2010, training of new volunteers will begin in the fall of 2009. Call 815-434-4003 to find out how to get invoved with this program in our community.