NewsRelease121507

Wanted: Volunteer Tax Preparers To Help Eligible Families

PHILADELPHIA, PA, December 17, 2007– Volunteer tax preparers are needed to help working families complete and file federal and state income tax returns from January 26 through April 15, 2008. The Campaign for Working Families (CWF) is currently recruiting volunteers from all communities and walks of life to help fill out tax returns for Philadelphia residents eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and other credits available to low-wage working households.

All volunteers will be trained by CWF and certified by Internal Revenue Service. The United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania is a partner of the Campaign for Working Families that facilitates volunteer recruitment. Volunteers can be flexible with hours and locations. Last year there were 17 sites across the city offering free tax assistance.

“Many families are eligible to raise their income by more than four thousand dollars to afford winter coats, utility bills, home ownership and more,” said Jean Hunt, executive director of Campaign for Working Families. “Earned Income Tax Credit dollars go directly into our economy. The challenge is that some working families are overwhelmed trying to make a living and often need help to apply for that credit.”

“CWF offers a critical service to working families,” said Sharmain Matlock-Turner, president of Greater Philadelphia Urban Affairs Coalition. “Since its inception, CWF has generated $86 million back into the local economy.” GPUAC manages the CWF partnership that connects Philadelphia residents to tax credits, public benefits and asset-building resources.

“This volunteer experience can be rewarding,” said IRS spokesperson David Stewart. “In Pennsylvania, during the last tax filing season, 2,000 volunteers were recruited for more than 800 sites across the Commonwealth under the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA).”

Stewart added that an accounting background is not required to be a VITA volunteer, but basic computer skills are helpful. In addition to volunteering as a tax preparer, individuals can assist with greeting tax payers, screening documents, and administrative tasks at the site.

To sign up as a volunteer, visit the CWF website at www.phillyfreetaxes.org or the United Way website at www.uwsepa.org/volunteer/eitc.html.

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