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Free Tax Help is Available for Families By Grace Murphy Anyone who wants to make an appointment for free tax preparation services should call MountainHeart at 1-888-915-7653 or (304) 262-1584. The Health and Human Service Collaborative, which is facilitated by the United Way of the Eastern Panhandle, is proud to support the third year of a free tax return preparation program for eligible families. This program is administered jointly by MountainHeart, a nonprofit agency that helps families with child care, and the Internal Revenue Service. The program is geared toward low income families who qualify for Earned Income tax credit as well as other tax credits, such as child care credits and education credits. Volunteers are fully trained and prepared the return sofa a computerized tax package provided by the IRS expressly for filing electronic tax returns. The ability to use the e-file system means that refunds have quick turn around time and refund checks for both Federal and State returns are deposited directly in checking and saving accounts. One of the biggest hurdles in the past has been the need for families to have a bank account. This year, with the help of area banks, MountainHeart and other non profits will assist families with setting up accounts for e-file refunds. They will also discuss ways for families to budget their refunds, plan for emergencies, and increase their long term financial stability. Volunteers are fully trained and provided with the computers and computer program used to generate returns. The IRS also provides volunteers with interview sheets to help gather information needed to file the return. There is a quick reference guide to the tax code and phone numbers to call for assistance if the volunteer has any questions. The free service targets families whose income is less than $40,000 per year and who are eligible for Earned Income Tax Credit. Mountain Heart has several tax preparation sites as well access to a mobile van. A Spanish speaking tax preparer is also available. The first year the program kicked off, volunteers prepared 80 tax returns. Last year, more than 300 returns were prepared. This year, the sky is the limit. Anyone who wants to make an appointment for free tax preparation services should call MountainHeart at 1-888-915-7653 or (304) 262-1584. Information is also available at http://www.wveitc.com/.
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