EFCU plans 4th Annual VITA Program

El Futuro will soon commence its fourth annual VITA program for the 2010 tax season. The program will again serve low-income residents, with particular attention given to the elderly, immigrant and limited English speaking residents requiring assistance in preparing income tax returns.

During the prior tax season, free tax assistance was offered to over 350 local residents, with over $375,000. The VITA program for the 2010 tax year will be offered in partnership with the Tulare County Service Employment and Training Program (CSET).

Through the program we are able to bring in thousands of dollars to the local economy in tax refunds and support through the EITC program. We are also able to save low income residents the burdensome fees charged by local vendors. The program is considered vital to our area, since the area is significantly economically depressed. The poverty rate for the area is current at 26%, while the unemployment rate is nearing 18% for the County of Tulare and 25% in the rural areas. The VITA program provides low income resident an opportunity to obtain the full benefits of their tax refund during the current economic crisis.

Due to our success as a VITA site we have been able to gain certification as a Certifying Acceptance Agent through the IRS. This has made it possible for the credit union to process Tax Identification for immigrant residents that do not qualify for social security numbers. With an ITIN, an individual can become a member of a credit union, open interest bearing accounts, and obtain other banking services.

As in prior years, the program will be almost entirely be run by volunteers. Social service agencies, financial institutions, churches, and civic minded persons will be invited to provide volunteers to be trained as tax preparers. During the 2009 tax season we partnered with the high school business academy, and adult school business department to recruit most of the volunteers for the program. The program offered these students career related experience to supplement their academic programs.

Tax assistance will be offered on Friday evenings and on Saturdays. On Fridays, tax assistance will be offered between 5:00 PM and 8:00 PM, and Saturdays from 9:00 AM to 4:00.

The program will start February 4th and will continue through the end of the tax season. Services will be offered at the CSET office (county government Building) located at 1061 W. Henderson in Porterville. Information on the program can be obtained by calling 78801440.