News Release

Contact: Diane Serratore, Director of Community Impact

Phone: 845-358-8929, ext. 14

Cell: 845-825-2615

United Way of Rockland County Kicks Off Its Free Tax Assistance Program

Nyack, NY, January 16 -- The United Way of Rockland County will kick off its free Tax Assistance Program (TAP) on Monday, January 22 at 10 a.m. at Union State Bank in Spring Valley. Partners in the United Way’s TAP initiative -- including the County of Rockland, Temple Beth Torah, Union State Bank, Rockland Community College, Palisades Federal Credit Union, the IRS and The Herman Goldman Foundation -- will be recognized at the kickoff as well.

TAP provides free tax preparation by IRS-certified volunteers to those who qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), as well as other tax credits that may be available to them, by filing their federal and state tax returns. one of the most critical problems facing many of Rockland’s residents is the gap between their take –home wages and necessary expenses for basic needs. The federal and state Earned Income Tax Credit help fill that gap by using tax policy to return to these families more of their earned income. The United Way’s Tax Assistance Program underscores its commitment to long-term sustainable solutions.

This is the second year that the United Way of Rockland County is spearheading the TAP effort. In 2006, United Way TAP volunteers helped recoup a total of $145,000 in refunds -- $105,000 in EITC refunds alone. This year, the United Way will offer TAP for 15 hours a week at three sites around the county: Union State Bank in Spring Valley, RCC Satellite in Haverstraw and the United Way in Nyack. The IRS estimates that approximately 40% of those Rocklanders eligible for the EITC are not filing for it. This results in thousands of tax credits left unclaimed by those who could most use it.

Individuals looking to take advantage of TAP should call United Way’s 211 helpline by dialing 2-1-1 from any

phone in the Hudson Valley region (including most cellular phones) 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The

2-1-1 call manager will confirm that the caller is eligible for the EITC and then schedule an appointment at one

of the TAP sites. Callers will also be told what paperwork to bring to the TAP site and asked if a translator would be needed.

United Way TAP Program/2

The United Way of Rockland County works to improve lives by mobilizing the community, raising resources and allocating them to build a strong, vibrant Rockland County. For more information about TAP, please contact the United Way at 845-358-8929. To schedule an appointment for free tax preparation, call 2-1-1.

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