New programs offer help with...

TAXES: You earned it, now keep it! More than half of Rappahannock households eligible for free tax filing services

What’s the biggest check an individual or household gets all year? For a majority of Rappahannock residents, it’s their tax refund. For 2019, the IRS reports an average refund of $2,725, and 73 percent of filers received refunds.

Many refunds could be larger if filers did not pay to file their taxes and if they got all the credits and refunds for which they are eligible. About 20 percent of those eligible don’t claim the earned income credit alone. Often, filers also pay for the privilege of the preparer issuing a refund anticipation check, deducted from the refund amount.

Having your return prepared free at a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) site avoids all of these losses. At VITA sites, IRS-certified preparers do the returns at no charge, ensure that you get all the refunds and credits you should, and electronically file your return so that you receive your refund quickly — usually in a week to 10 days. And VITA preparers have a lower percentage of questioned returns than the overall pool of paid preparers.

According to IRS statistics, more than half of Rappahannock households are eligible for free tax filing services. In general, you are eligible to use the VITA site if you:

➜ Make less than $56,000 a year in wages

➜ Have investment income of $3,600 or less

➜ Have a disability

➜ Speak limited English

➜ Seniors also qualify for VITA services.

Refunds and tax credits depend on several factors, such as the size of the household and number of children. Refund checks can range from a few hundred dollars for a single person to more than $6,000 for a household with three or more children. You can also choose to split your refund to set up emergency savings, fund a debit card, pay down debt, or buy a savings bond, for example.

Family Futures has partnered with People, Inc., to offer VITA services for Rappahannock residents in nearby Warrenton. The site will be open for appointments every Saturday from February 8 to April 11, between 10 and 3. To make an appointment, call 571-4453020. Follow our Facebook page (www. facebook.com/familyfuturesrappahannock) as we post more details on what to bring to your appointment. Information will also be available at the library, schools, county offices, and some local nonprofits and churches.

Want to help others get their refunds?

Family-Futures still needs individuals to greet and sign in those who come to file, check list required documents, make copies, sign out, and collect satisfaction surveys. These volunteers do not prepare returns. They must sign a confidentiality agreement, have a basic background check, and receive training in site procedures. Lunch provided. To step up for VITA site support, contact us at info@Family-Futures.org