We (myself and my assistant) operate as a VITA site out of our Family Loan Program. This will be our third year. We remind loan recipients throughout the year (but particularly in January (mailing)and tax season) that we are a free tax preparation site w/ efile capability. With direct deposit, they can have their refunds in their account in 8 - 10 days, at no cost.(This also encourages use of conventional financial institutions.) At the same time, we discuss a spending/savings plan for the refund. Naturally we recommend that they take the opportunity to catch up, get ahead or pay off their loan with their refund, depending on the individual situation. We also present information on asset building programs available such as IDA's and First Time Home Buyers Programs, and reemphasize setting goals and saving. Since we do not collect a fee and the refund does not come to us for dispersement as with a paid preparer, there is no way at this time to get a piece of the return. Some who agree to pay towards the loan with their return do, others don't. I still look forward to February/March as many do at least pull themselves out of the hole; others with smaller balances pay the loan off. It's like Christmas for the Loan Program...
Anita Corriveau WAYS to WORK Family Loan Program Center for Family Services 584 Benson Street Camden, NJ 08103 856-964-1990 ext. 295 856-964-0242 fax [EMAIL PROTECTED] ---------- Original Message ---------------------------------- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Reply-To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Tue, 6 Jan 2004 16:28:44 EST >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 > >
