Free Indy Free Tax Prep now available for eligible Central Indiana residents
Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett joined leaders from United Way, Indianapolis Public Library, Financial Health Federal Credit Union and the IRS to kick off the opening of tax preparation sites INDIANAPOLIS — Today, Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett and leaders from United Way of Central Indiana, the Indianapolis Public Library, Financial Health Federal Credit Union and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) kicked off the launch of Indy Free Tax Prep at the 38th Street Library Branch. Indy Free Tax Prep is a network of Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites which offers free tax preparation to individuals and families with a combined income of $66,000 or less. United Way has administered Indy Free Tax Prep for the Central Indiana community since 2015 and partners with the IRS, dozens of community-based organizations which serve as tax-prep sites, corporate partners, and hundreds of volunteers who help with tax preparation. Last year, more than 250 volunteers prepared more than 6,600 tax returns for eligible residents at no cost, resulting in more than $6 million in refunds and $1.3 million saved in tax preparation services. “Indy Free Tax Prep is designed to ensure that our residents receive all the tax credits and deductions for which they are eligible,” said Mayor Hogsett. “With the money residents save on tax preparation fees, they can work to reduce debt and build savings. This program supports United Way’s goal of reducing the number of financially unstable households in our community.” Each year, thousands of Central Indiana residents pay hundreds of dollars to file their taxes, without knowing they may be eligible for free filing. The Indy Free Tax Prep program eases the financial burden of the tax preparation process and ensures individuals and families with a household income of $66,000 or less receive their full tax refund. “For individuals and families who are trying to stabilize their situations, tax season can feel even more taxing,” said United Way’s Ann Murtlow. “The value of this program is clear: for lower-income individuals and families, it’s free, trusted, and presents a positive outcome. For volunteers, the program connects their passions directly to those who need assistance. And for our region, stronger families make for a stronger community.” The tax filing deadline is Wednesday, April 15, 2020. For tax returns that claim the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), the IRS cannot issue refunds before mid-February. Indy Free Tax Prep is offered at dozens of sites in Marion, Boone, Hendricks, and Morgan counties. Taxpayers may visit IndyFreeTaxPrep.com for more details on locations, hours and information on how to schedule an appointment. Indy Free Tax Prep is supported by Financial Health Federal Credit Union. Each year, employees at the credit union give back to their community by serving as tax preparation volunteers. Other partners include the City of Indianapolis, the Indianapolis Public Library, IndyGo, and Eastern Star Church.
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About United Way of Central Indiana: United Way is a community of donors, advocates, volunteers, and partners who fight for the health, education, and financial stability of every person in every community. United Way invites all members of our community to LIVE UNITED by giving, advocating and volunteering to improve lives in Central Indiana. Visit www.uwci.org to learn more. MEDIA CONTACTS: Jennifer Hashem | Public Relations Manageroffice: 317-921-1313 | cell: 563-271-4385jennifer.hashem@uwci.org Jessica Di Santo | Senior Director of Communicationsoffice: 317-921-1224 | cell: 317-292-5608jessica.disanto@uwci.org