Local Families Get Free Tax Help Through United Way’s Tax Preparation Partnerships

Portland, Oregon – February 10, 2010 – Aiming to put savings and tax refunds in taxpayers’ pockets, United Way of the Columbia-Willamette is funding free tax preparation programs for people across the region who may be eligible for tax refunds through the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC).

EITC can be a financial boost for working people hit by hard economic times. Typically, Earned Income Tax Credit is available to most families earning less than $43,279 annually; and to individuals with an annual income of less than $13,440. Working families claiming EITC can receive up to $5,657 annually with tax credits. According to IRS records, about 25% of individuals and families living in Oregon who qualify for the earned credit don’t receive the refund because they haven’t filed for it. The refund is not automatic, and taxpayers must incorporate EITC into their tax filing. 

United Way has allocated $77,500 to support free tax preparation programs in the Portland-Vancouver metro area. Of that amount, $50,000 came from United Way’s strategic initiatives fund, while Bank of America Charitable Foundation contributed $12,500. The WalMart Foundation dedicated $15,000 to provide tax assistance for people with disabilities.

 “As many continue to feel the impact of the challenging economy, our goal is to establish a more integrated and accessible program that helps American better their lives,” said Margaret McKenna, president of the WalMart Foundation.

Since 2008, Bank of America has supported free tax preparation services in the Portland-Vancouver metro area. The effort is part of the larger Bank of America-funded United Way Financial Stability Partnership, which is designed to improve the financial well-being of low-income individuals and families by providing tools to increase their income, build savings and develop and maintain their assets.

“Building the financial security of our local families is critical to revitalizing our economy,” said Roger Hinshaw, Oregon and Southwest Washington president, Bank of America. “Free tax preparation sites provide an opportunity to help put money back in the pockets of hard-working families. Our longstanding financial stability partnership with United Way is one great example of how the bank is helping support pathways out of poverty.”

Through United Way’s EITC efforts, trained volunteers at area agencies have already begun providing tax assistance to low-wage families and individuals, free of charge. Many volunteers are members of local AARP chapters. Funding provides software and training to volunteers, who are required to take a 40-hour tax preparers’ class and pass an IRS exam. Last year, over 600 volunteers helped families and individuals with free tax preparation.

In Multnomah, Clackamas, and Washington counties, United Way funding supports CASH Oregon’s tax preparation and filing sites. In Clark County, Community Housing Resource Center is United Way’s partner in providing tax services. Tax preparation services to people with disabilities – made possible by the WalMart Foundation grant – are offered through Cascadia Behavioral Healthcare’s Garlington Center in North Portland.

A number of partners also provide culturally-specific tax help for low-income households. Bilingual volunteers are available at sites that serve ethnic immigrant communities, such as Latino, Russian, Ukrainian, Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese, among others. United Way’s partners in providing culturally-specific tax services include: Bienestar in Washington County; Impact NW, serving seniors and Russian-speaking residents in southeast and outer SE Portland; the Asian Health and Service Center; and the Native American Youth & Family Center (NAYA).

Taxpayers in Oregon counties can locate the closest tax prep sites by visiting www.cashoregon.org or by calling 503.243.7765. In Clark County, visit Community Housing Resource Center at www.homecen.org or call 360.690.4496, ext. 102.

“We are grateful for the support of Bank of America and the WalMart Foundation for helping bring awareness and resources to an important program,” says Marc Levy, CEO and President, United Way of the Columbia-Willamette. “Promoting the Earned Income Tax Credit in underserved communities will have a real and immediate impact on working with low-and middle-income families who may not have otherwise been aware of the benefits of this tax credit.”

About the United Way of the Columbia-Willamette
United Way of the Columbia-Willamette is working to advance the common good in the four-county Portland/Vancouver area by focusing on the basics we all need for success:  education, income, and health. We all win when children succeed in school, families are financially stable and independent, and people have good health. Our goal is to create long-lasting changes that prevent problems from happening in the first place. By working together we can create opportunities for a better life and create a stronger community.  That’s what it means to LIVE UNITED.