RE: [WTW] Income Tax

[Lex Levy]

We are involved in a project called VITA (Voluntary Income Tax Assistance) which is a locality that will be staffed with trained volunteers to assist folks with their returns.  Our Family Center along with the Salvation Army are staffing individuals for this purpose.  All volunteers will go through a 16 hour training course set up by the IRS and will be certified to assist. This is in a effort to help the folks keep as much of their refund as possible, rather than have them go to an "overpay service/preditory site" that will charge them anywhere from $50- - $200 to do their return, encourage them to take the refund anticipation loan for an additional percentage and then the client ends up next door at the check cashing place that charges yet again...additional fees.     We feel this will give folks an opportunity to have more money, possibly to help them with the purchase of an auto since I am just in the beginning phase of setting up our WTW site.   Lex Levy Family Service of Montgomery County PA     -----Original Message----- From: Dave Washburn [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Tue 1/6/2004 4:36 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Cc: Subject: RE: [WTW] Income Tax We have been talking about using our membership with Gifts In Kind to get donations to offer as incentives for people to pay their loans in full. I would also stress, however, that it's very important for our borrowers to put some of their refund in savings in case of emergency (including car repair).   I advise you contact your local IRS representative about where folks can get free tax prep assistance. If you judge the assistance is adequate (volunteers skills may vary), you could advise your borrowers accordingly, and steer them away from the (over) pay services and refund anticipation loans.   Dave Washburn Consuelo Foundation -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]On Behalf Of [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Tuesday, January 06, 2004 11:29 AM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: [WTW] Income Tax Hi, It is income tax time and I am interested in any strategies you have in collecting income tax from clients to pay-off their loans.  Of course, this would greatly help in the collection process. Thanks, Kandee Wickboldt Baton Rouge, LA