The Ministry of Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)

It is tax filing season, an annual chore made more difficult by current economic circumstances. For me, it brings to mind Jesus’ statement, “Render unto Caesar, what is Caesar’s”. And, I would add, “but no more than what Caesar is due; the rest is mine.”

Did you know Congress designed many tax credits and deductions to help working families and single parents with children, singles, college students and graduates, teachers, savers, home owners, and retirees? For example, tax credits to help workers with children reduce their taxes include the Credit for Child & Dependent Care Expenses (if you have to pay someone to watch your children so you can work) and the Child Tax Credit. In addition, families and single parents may qualify for the refundable Additional Child Credit and Earned Income Credit that could place potentially thousands of dollars into the their hands if eligibility requirements are met. The Earned income credit is even available to some single workers who meet certain age, income, and other requirements. You may qualify for still other credits and deductions.

Because taxes are confusing, many pay for the services of a store-front tax preparer where the price of the simplest tax return can begin at $90. Claim credits for which you are qualified and your bill could reach $250 or more. Then, you may be asked if you want a refund anticipation loan where you are loaned the amount of your refund until the IRS accepts your tax filing. The interest rate on such a loan is quite often greater than the highest credit card interest rate. Anyone hear of “usery”?

Why go through all that? A trained VITA volunteer at St. Paul’s Cathedral can help, at no cost to you. With electronic filing and direct deposit, you could have your entire refund in your bank account in as little as eight days without paying tax preparation fees or interest charges.

Interested? Call the Cathedral office at (619) 298-7261 to make an appointment for Saturday, March 27, between 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM (eligibility restrictions apply). No doubt, you have good uses for the money you will save!

-- Robert Wheeler