Newark, OH, January 18, 2011 - Licking County Coalition for Housing is currently offering low-income tax preparation assistance thanks in-part to a $20,000 grant from State Farm Insurance®. Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) is an IRS sponsored program which uses community volunteers, certified by the IRS, to prepare and e-file federal, state and school district income tax returns for low-income taxpayers. VITA sites are located at LCCH offices, Opportunity Links and The Ohio State University - Newark/COTC.
The VITA program at LCCH helps low-income tax payers file their returns correctly and completely, educates taxpayers about the Earned Income Tax Credit, and provides financial information and educational opportunities which will provide long-term financial stability.
We are thrilled that State Farm is supporting our efforts,” said Deb Tegtmeyer, Executive Director of LCCH. “We look forward to assisting an even greater number of our Licking County neighbors this year to increase their household incomes. VITA volunteers help tax payers by getting the tax credits and refunds they are eligible for without charging filing or service fees.”
“Helping people realize their dreams is an important part of who we are at State Farm”, said Susan Krieger, State Farm’s Vice President-Operations. “Our support for this tax preparation assistance program will positively impact the lives and dreams of many individuals in our community”.
Angie Rinock, State Farm Public Affairs, 269-384-8561
State Farm and its affiliates are the largest provider of car insurance in the U.S. and is a leading insurer in Canada. In addition to providing auto insurance quotes, their 17,800 agents and more than 65,000 employees serve 81 million policies and accounts - more than 79 million auto, home, life and health policies in the United States and Canada, and nearly 2 million bank accounts. Commercial auto insurance, along with coverage for renters, business owners, boats and motorcycles, is also available. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company is the parent of the State Farm family of companies. State Farm is ranked No. 43 on the Fortune 500 list of largest companies. For more information, please visit http://www.statefarm.com or in Canada http://www.statefarm.ca.
About Licking County Coalition for Housing:
Founded in 1992, LCCH is a non-profit organization that addresses the needs of the homeless and low-income residents of Licking County. LCCH has offered financial literacy education and free tax preparation services since 2006. In 2011, 14 community volunteers contributed 497 hours to the VITA program, and filed 351 returns for local taxpayers. $520,445.00 in refunds was secured for LCCH VITA clients, and returned to the Licking County economy.
2012 VITA Schedule
2012 VITA locations include the LCCH offices in downtown Newark, Opportunity Links at 998 East Main Street and The Warner Library on the campus of The Ohio State University/ Central Ohio Technical College. Tax preparation appointments at LCCH may be scheduled for Thursdays from 2:00 until 7:00 PM, by calling 740-345-1970 ext. 200. Appointments at Opportunity Links may be scheduled for Tuesdays from 2:00 until 6:00 PM, by calling 740-670-8700. Walk-in hours are also available every Saturday throughout the tax season, from 9:00 AM until 12:00 noon at LCCH, and Wednesdays, from 2:00 until 7:00 PM at the Warner Library. (Wednesday hours are only available on January 25th, February 1st, 8th, 15th and April 11th.) For more information about the VITA program, call LCCH at 740-345-1970, ext. 224.
