United Way and Bank of America Providing Free Tax Prep to Help Thousands of Low-Income Families Maximize Returns
$125,000 from Bank of America allows United Way to provide services at agencies in Boston, Quincy, Lynn, Lawrence, Waltham, and Chelsea
03/01/2013
United Way of Massachusetts Bay & Merrimack Valley, along with Bank of America, is once again providing low-income residents and families with opportunities for free tax prep assistance and help maximizing the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). The Bank of America Charitable Foundation provided $125,000 to United Way to promote outreach to EITC-eligible individuals and families, and is recruiting tax prep volunteers. Last year, this effort resulted in more than $6 million dollars in tax refunds- money that has helped those most in need.
"The tax refund returned to hard-working individuals and families through EITC is money that can use to meet critical budget needs, to pay bills, climb out of debt or save for the future," said Michael K. Durkin, president of United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley. "Last year, our partnership with Bank of America helped generate more than $6 million in refunds, including $2.1 million through EITC. This is an important source of income for many."
United Way has trained over 60 volunteers this year to assist with tax prep across a half dozen agencies from February through mid-April, in addition to volunteers recruited by the individual agencies and Bank of America. Last year, Bank of America employees volunteered nearly 600 hours to the program in addition to the company's financial support. In 2013, Bank of America employees are once again volunteering their services.
"Massachusetts residents received $752 million through EITC in 2012; however, the IRS estimates between 15 - 25 percent of households that are entitled to this credit do not claim it. By partnering with the United Way through financial and volunteer support, we hope to help more eligible individuals and families effectively navigate the filing process and secure the benefits they are entitled to," said Bob Gallery, Bank of America Massachusetts president. "Putting money back in the pockets of those who need it most helps bring financial health and stability to our communities and is a key priority for Bank of America."
As part of a larger effort to ensure more families claim the tax credits they have earned - credits they are often unaware even exist - in 2013 seven free tax preparation sites are serving residents of Lawrence, Quincy, Lynn, Boston, Waltham, and Chelsea. Working people with earnings under $49,078 should see if they qualify at www.irs.gov/eitc. To find out more about the free tax filing service please visit www.mass211.org.
Locations include (please call ahead to schedule an appointment):
CENTERBOARD
United Way Financial Stability Center powered by Centerboard
270 Union Street. Lynn, MA
For more information and appointments, call 781-598-9417
LAWRENCE COMMUNITYWORKS
Lawrence Community Works, Inc.
168 Newbury Street, Lawrence, MA
For more information and appointments, call-978-722-2623
GREATER LAWRENCE COMMUNITY ACTION facilitated BY COMMUNITY TEAMWORK, INC.
GLCAC
350 Essex St., Lawrence, MA
For information and appointments, call 978-654-5676
CHARLES RIVER INTERNET CENTER
Charles River Public Internet Center
154 Moody Street, Waltham, MA
For information and appointments, call 781-891-9559 ext. 206
CHELSEA NEIGHBORHOOD DEVELOPERS
Chelsea Neighborhood Developers
4 Gerrish Avenue, Chelsea, MA
For information and appointments, call 617-889-1375 ext. 24
URBAN EDGE
Urban Edge
1542 Columbus Avenue, Boston, MA
For information and appointments, call 617-989-9308
QUINCY COMMUNITY ACTION PROGRAMS, INC.
Quincy Community Action Programs, Inc.
Learning Links Technology Center
1511 Hancock St., Quincy, MA
For Information and appointments, call 617-479-8181 ext. 300
About United Way of Massachusetts Bay & Merrimack Valley
One of the region's largest nonprofits, United Way's work ensures that children enter school ready to learn, youth stay engaged in school so they graduate with options for the future, and parents attain financial stability. No other single organization has the scope, expertise, and influence to bring together hundreds of human services agencies, government, businesses, private foundations and dedicated volunteers around a common vision of creating maximum impact and achieving long-lasting results.
Bank of America Corporate Social Responsibility
Bank of America's commitment to corporate social responsibility (CSR) is a strategic part of doing business globally. Our CSR efforts guide how we operate in a socially, economically, financially and environmentally responsible way around the world, to deliver for shareholders, customers, clients and employees. Our goal is to help create economically vibrant regions and communities through lending, investing and giving. By partnering with our stakeholders, we create value that empowers individuals and communities to thrive and contributes to the long-term success of our business. We have several core areas of focus for our CSR, including responsible business practices; environmental sustainability; strengthening local communities with a focus on housing, hunger and jobs; investing in global leadership development; and engaging through arts and culture. As part of these efforts, employee volunteers across the company contribute their time, passion and expertise to address issues in communities where they live and work. Learn more at www.bankofamerica.com/about and follow us on Twitter at @BofA_Community.
For more Bank of America news, visit the Bank of America newsroom.
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