United Way of Frederick County's Annual Free Tax Preparation Program, VITA, Ready for 2019 Tax Season

FREDERICK, Md., Feb. 11, 2019 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- United Way of Frederick County's annual free tax preparation program, VITA, will continue to offer free tax preparation by certified IRS tax preparers for those making $55,000 or less. The program is a continued partnership with the Housing Authority for the City of Frederick. This year we are excited to announce that a new sponsorship by the City of Frederick Department of Economic Development in addition to the support we receive from Cash Campaign for Maryland and from our local supporters make the VITA program possible.

"Our goal with VITA is to do accurate taxes, to give the client a positive experience, and," said VITA Manager Rebecca Full, "to offer clients education and insight into achieving financial stability."

This year, VITA will be located at the Hillcrest Community Center in Frederick. The languages offered are Spanish and American Sign Language.

VITA locations will be open from February 5 through April 11, and are offered by appointment only. To make an appointment, call 2-1-1 or 866-411-6803.

Last year, VITA connected 801 local households to tax credits, saving them approximately $175,812 in tax preparation fees and bringing back $1.2 million in refunds to the community. United Way of Frederick County is dedicated to the financial stability of the Frederick community, and with the VITA program, low-income households will be able to take advantage of free tax preparation to get back their maximum refund and save more of their hard-earned money.

For more information regarding this year's VITA program, visit unitedwayfrederick.org/freetaxprep. For questions regarding the program, contact James Baker at [email protected] or 301-663-4231.

About The Prosperity Center
Using the collective impact model, the Prosperity Center uses a holistic, integrated approach to improving the financial security of Frederick County residents. We function as a one-stop hub to allow community members access to a wide range of services, including income supports, employment and education services, financial education, asset building services, and more.

The Prosperity Center opened its doors in April, 2014. Located in the Bernard W. Brown Community Center on North Market Street in Frederick, it is a partnership among the United Way of Frederick County, the Housing Authority of the City of Frederick, and the Frederick Coalition for Financial Success (FCFS). Current services include the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, Prosperity Savings Accounts, free financial education classes, and access to an array of community resources.

Connect with us on social media by visiting Facebook.com/ProsperityCenterFrederick.

About United Way of Frederick County
Since 1938, United Way of Frederick County has been fighting for health, education and financial stability for every person in the Frederick County community. United Way produces the ALICE (Asset-Limited, Income-Constrained, Employed) Report which shows that approximately nearly 40% of households can no longer afford to live in Frederick County. Our investments and programs are aligned to support and increase the financial stability of these households.

United Way of Frederick County partners include global, national and local businesses, nonprofits, government, civic and faith-based organizations, along with educators, health providers, senior citizens, students, and others. The organization provides grants to local nonprofits, offers programs such as free tax preparation and matched savings, mobilizes volunteers, and engages in public policy advocacy. To learn more about United Way and how you can get involved, please visit UnitedWayFrederick.org.

Connect with us on social media:
Facebook: @UnitedWayFrederick
Twitter: @UnitedWayFred
Instagram: @unitedwayfrederick
YouTube: youtube.com/UnitedWayofFrederick

Media Contact For more information, please contact Zack Willis at [email protected] or 301-663-4231.

SOURCE United Way of Frederick County