Martinsville Bulletin, Inc.
P. O. Box 3711
204 Broad Street
Martinsville, Virginia 24115
276-638-8801
Toll Free: 800-234-6575
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Friday, March 2, 2007
By BULLETIN STAFF REPORTS -
Two new Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites are up and running.
The VITA program provides free tax filing assistance by IRS-trained community volunteers to people earning $38,000 and less.
The VITA sites promote the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). In Virginia, it is estimated that 22 percent of eligible EITC recipients do not claim it. Eligible individuals or families may receive a refund of up to $4,500. The returns are electronically filed for an average refund paid in 10 days.
The VITA sites are located at the Grace Network (638-8500) and the Free Clinic (638-0787). Individuals also may contact Southside Community Action (666-0313) and the Martinsville Senior Center (403-5260) for free income tax preparation.
The VITA sites are part of the HOPE (Helping Others Progress Economically) Initiative, a community-wide collaboration led by the United Way of Henry County and Martinsville, which is tackling the issue of financial literacy.
The HOPE Initiative will work with banks and credit unions, foundations, human service agencies, Realtors, schools and local businesses to evaluate the need and deliver financial education and participation incentives to the community, according to a press release.
The United Way has received initial funding for the initiative through grants from The Harvest Foundation, Wachovia Foundation and the Virginia Community Action Partnership.
The United Way has hired Alicia Solomon of Martinsville as the HOPE Initiative coordinator. Solomon’s 12 years of nonprofit experience began with the United Way of South Hampton Roads in Norfolk and continued to the United Way of the Capital Region in Harrisburg, Pa.
In addition, she has worked on economic development issues as membership director of the Harrisburg Regional Chamber.
“This initiative will benefit everyone and improve the quality of life for our community. The initiative will look to empower the individual so that they may take control of their finances through education on basic money management skills,” Solomon said in the release. |
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