Story Published: Jan 30, 2010 at 9:40 PM PST
Story Updated: Jan 30, 2010 at 9:40 PM PST
The IRS website describes it as "a national effort spot-lighting a potentially life-changing tax credit."
In Moscow, Community Action Partnership and the UI College of Law teamed up to launch the 2010 campaign.
"Today we're having an open house for the College of Law’s VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) site," said CAP Community Education Specialist Mike Wood. "The VITA site prepares taxes for folks with volunteers. So we're trying to kind of present that to the community let people know about the service."
VITA prepared over 5,000 federal tax returns in North Idaho last year.
"One of the reasons why we're focusing on VITA here is because rural communities typically have less people claim the tax benefits that are there and available for them," said Wood. "As opposed to urban communities and in North Idaho in particular we have a lot of rural communities."
The Earned Income Tax Credit is one such tax benefit VITA is paying close attention to. Over $37 million was distributed to North Idaho taxpayers in 2006 through the tax credit.
"We're here to make citizens aware of the fact that this program is available to them," said Latah County Commissioner Jack Nelson. "A lot of people out there aren't aware of it and hopefully they become aware of it, so they get this money. If you're in the low or moderate income situation at this economic time, then you can use more money."
The income tax preparation assistance is free and open to all low and moderate-income families. Certified and experienced volunteers will be handling the tax return work.
UI VITA president Jordan Beck encourages everyone who qualifies to take advantage of the opportunity.
"Call up your local Community Action Partnership and they have all the VITA information," said Beck.
