Free Tax Preparation Sites Available for Low-Income Families

The Pierce County Asset Building Coalition offers Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites throughout Pierce County to help working and low-income individuals and families save money through free tax preparation help. For the 2012 Tax season the program has established set-up 25 free tax preparation sites for low-income wage-earners across Pierce County.

There are three local sites for Plateau residents:

• , 1116 Fryar Avenue
• Puyallup Library, 324 S. Meridian
• Buckley Senior Center, 811 Main Street

The full list of free tax preparation sites are posted on the Associated Ministries website or call 2-1-1 for a site near you for days and hours of operation.

An essential part of the program is helping people claim the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) for low-income working individuals and families. The goal of the EITC program is to reduce the tax burden on low-income workers and supplement their wages, allowing them to climb the economic ladder. It provides a boost in take-home pay that helps offset costs such as higher childcare and transportation that families incur as they strive to become economically self-sufficient.

Last tax year, 426,124 low-income families and individuals across Washington State received EITC benefits totaling $847 million. These are families who are working hard, many at more than one job, but whose low wages are preventing them from climbing the economic ladder. The EITC can make the difference in making ends meet.  A family with three or more children may receive as much as $5,751 in Earned Income Tax Credit.

PCABC volunteers assist in the preparation of federal tax forms and file the returns electronically to speed the receipt of refunds. Credit unions and banks are also present at some of these sites to give tax filers who do not have an existing checking or saving accounts the opportunity to establish one prior to filing their returns. By having an account, filers can receive their refunds faster through direct deposit.

Pierce County Asset Building Coalition is a collaboration of 50 partners working to actively engage all of Pierce County residents in building prosperity and a program of Associated Ministries.

Information provided by Associated Ministries, which is a Christian, ecumenical organization that partners with more than 250 Pierce County congregations and interfaith partners to Unite People of Faith to Build Stronger Communities.