The tax code is increasingly used as a tool to alleviate poverty; reward work and help individuals and working families supplement their wages and to build economic stability. The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), a refundable tax credit for eligible working filers, can make a substantial difference in a working family's annual earnings. The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and AARP Tax-Aide sites assist communities across the nation, including the Quad Cities, help reach families and individuals who need FREE tax preparation during the tax season and now year round as well as close the gap of eligible EITC claimants.

Lending a Helping Hand

The goal of United Way of the Quad Cities Area and community partners is to help working individuals and families' achieve financial independence by providing them with opportunities and education to build, save and protect their financial assets. The focal point for this effort is the VITA and AARP Tax-Aide programs. Through these programs, volunteers provide free income tax assistance and tax information to taxpayers.

During the 2007 tax-filing season, volunteers operated 15 free tax preparation sites located throughout the Quad Cities and completed more than 4,500 returns, a 115 percent increase from 2006. Volunteers brought back to families more than $1 million in EITC funds; more than $3 million in overall federal refunds and saved families $700,000 in tax preparation fees.

Without the help of the volunteers who participate in these programs, many whom return each tax-filing season, we could not continue to expand, reaching an increasing number of the Quad Cities' working families and individuals.

The VITA and AARP Tax-Aide programs would not be possible without great volunteers. Every year, hundreds of people just like YOU contribute their time and expertise. We are currently seeking volunteers to assist in this year's tax season.

> Tax Preparers (free training available)
> Greeters
> Interpreters

FREE Tax Assistance
It's FREE, fast and convenient tax preparation services for families earning up to $45,000 annually. All taxes are prepared and submitted to the IRS electronically by VITA and AARP volunteers and refunds, if applicable, will be received in less than 10 days. With 13 sites to choose from, we've made it easy for you to get your taxes done.