Free tax assistance for working families now available in Maricopa

The VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) program is offering tax preparation assistance to working families in Maricopa.

Out of those who filed with VITA in the past, the average taxpayer was refunded over $1,500.

This is the third year for VITA in Pinal County, and the program continues to grow and change. From one site and 49 tax returns prepared in 2008, the program expanded to 16 sites and over 300 returns prepared at absolutely no charge to the eligible taxpayer in 2009.

VITA was created to put taxpayers in touch with the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), a federal tax credit designed to boost the incomes of working families. One of its primary goals is making certified tax preparation affordable by training volunteers to provide accurate tax assistance free of charge

Now VITA is in Maricopa 

“We project that there are about 3,000 taxpayers who qualify and could benefit from the program in Maricopa,” said Vita Program Manager Ricardo Banuelos.

VITA recently partnered with the Maricopa Lutheran Church to provide a facility for tax assistance. IRS certified volunteers assist taxpayers at 16540 N. Porter Road every Thursday from 4 to 6:30 p.m. and every Saturday from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Taxpayers should bring all necessary tax forms, including Social Security card and picture ID.

For more information about the VITA program, contact Banuelos at 520-836-0736 or via email.

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