Free Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)

[quote]helps access tax credits and affordable health care[/quote]

United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona reminds low- and moderate-income wage earners that free, quality tax preparation assistance from IRS-certified preparers is available through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program.
VITA helps taxpayers access all tax credits for which they are eligible – including the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Child Tax Credit (CTC). VITA services are available at several sites throughout Tucson and the state. Those seeking quality tax preparation assistance at no cost should check United Way’s website – www.unitedwaytucson.org/vita – for complete information about locations, schedules and required documents.
A new VITA SuperSite allows taxpayers to file returns and receive any refunds for which they are eligible early in the tax season. The SuperSite will run:
When: January 28-30, 2016, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day
Where: United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona office
330 N. Commerce Park Loop, Suite 200

In addition to tax preparation assistance, the VITA SuperSite will have certified health-care assisters who can provide free, unbiased help with health coverage enrollment through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace.

[quote]Earned Income Tax Credit
and Child Tax Credit
In late 2015, President Obama signed legislation that made the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Child Tax Credit (CTC) permanent, preventing 488,000 Arizonans, including 254,000 children, from being pushed into – or deeper into – poverty. The EITC and CTC help working families keep more of their annual earnings and pay for necessities like child care, housing, food and reliable transportation to get to work.[/quote]

The last day to enroll during the current Open Enrollment Period is Jan. 31, 2016.

Health care is critical to a family’s financial stability. The Affordable Care Act and AHCCCS expansion in Arizona helped over 474,000 residents access affordable health care in 2015. Individuals and families who are not insured, and remain uninsured during 2016, will face significantly higher penalties come tax time, unless eligible for exemptions. Financial assistance is available to help lower monthly costs. In addition to the VITA SuperSite, free, unbiased enrollment help is available from certified health-care assisters at coveraz.org/connector or 1-844-790-4946.
Taxpayers should visit www.unitedwaytucson.org/VITA for more information about the SuperSite and other locations open throughout Pima County through April 18, 2016. Taxpayers who wish to file on their own using free, easy and secure interview-style online software are encouraged to visit freefile.unitedwaytucson.org.

About United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona

United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona is working to advance the common good, creating opportunities for a better life for all by focusing on the three key building blocks of Education, Income and Health. United Way is dedicated to creating long lasting community change by addressing the underlying causes of the most significant issues. Our focus areas include: helping children and youth achieve their potential, promoting financial stability and independence, and improving people’s health. To live united is to bring TOGETHER the collective power of people to achieve great change. If a difference is to be made, we will make it as one. For more information about United Way, please visit unitedwaytucson.org and www.facebook.com/unitedwaytucson.