Free Tax Services Available to Eligible Providence Residents

PROVIDENCE, RI – Mayor Angel Taveras is encouraging eligible Providence residents to take advantage of the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program this tax season.

“My administration is pleased to promote the work of our community partners helping hardworking Providence residents and families take advantage of tax credits and free tax preparation available to them,” said Mayor Taveras.

Taxpayers who earned less than $52,000 last year may be eligible for an EITC refund.  The tax credit can put thousands of dollars back into the pockets of low-income individuals and families, making it easier to save money and balance their budgets.

Residents who make less than $52,000 annually are also encouraged to locate their nearest VITA site. VITA sites match families with volunteers certified by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service to help determine eligibility for federal Earned Income Tax Credits, offer free tax preparation services, and encourage recipients to utilize credits for savings and building assets through financial literacy education.

The VITA Program prepared more than 10,000 tax returns last year statewide, returning a total refund of more than $16.3 million.

Organizations hosting VITA programs are located in neighborhood across Providence. VITA locations include:

• Federal Hill House
• Capital Good Fund
• Providence Spanish SDA Church
• Center For Southeast Asians
• Elmwood Community Center
• Olneyville Housing Corporation
• Capital City Community Center
• Dorcas International Institute of Rhode Island
• Open Doors
• Johnson and Wales University

Find a VITA site near you at http://taxprep.provplan.org/ or by calling United Way at 2-1-1.

Providence residents earning less than $58,000 can also file taxes for free online athttp://myfreetaxes.com/ProvidencecoalitionS10091811.

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