Mayor Angel Taveras, Federal Hill House and United Way RI Kick Off 12th Annual Providence Earned Income Tax Credit and Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Campaign

Low- and moderate-income residents encouraged to take advantage of free tax services.

Providence Mayor Angel Taveras joined today with Federal Hill House Executive Director Nina Pande, United Way Rhode Island Vice President Bea Lanzi and Meg Chevalier of the IRS Stakeholder Partnerships, Education and Communication (SPEC) Office to kick off the 12th annual Providence Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) campaign.

"My administration is pleased to work with the Federal Hill House, United Way Rhode Island, the IRS and our VITA partners to help hardworking Providence residents access the financial services they need to build a stronger future for their families," said Mayor Taveras. "This tax credit helps ease the burden on working families struggling to pay for heat, rent, food, electricity and other vital expenses."

Federal Hill House is the lead agency and fiscal agent for the Providence EITC/VITA Campaign, which seeks to boost the impact of federal Earned Income Tax Credits by raising awareness to eligible families, offering free tax preparation services through VITA programs, and encouraging recipients to utilize their credits for savings and building assets through ongoing financial literacy education programs.

"I am excited to once again partner with the City of Providence, United Way Rhode Island and a host of supporting organizations to coordinate the EITC/VITA Campaign," said Nina Pande, executive director of Federal Hill House. "The Earned Income Tax Credit program has a great return on investment, putting money back into the hands of those who need it most in our community."

According to the IRS, the EITC program returned nearly $60.7 billion to 26.5 million low-income families nationwide last year. In Providence, more than $3.3 million was brought back to residents through the EITC/VITA campaign during the 2011 tax season. Approximately 2,000 free returns filed on behalf of Providence residents reaped an average of $1,785 in Earned Income Tax Credit refunds.

"The EITC/VITA campaign is a great example of how much can be accomplished when we work together to help people who are struggling in these difficult economic times," said Anthony Maione, president and CEO, United Way of Rhode Island. "We're proud of our role in this campaign which positively impacts thousands of lives each year."

Collaborating partner organizations hosting VITA programs are located in Olneyville, Upper and Lower South Providence, Elmwood and the West End. Partner organizations include Capital City Community Center, Dorcas International Institute of Rhode Island, Open Doors, Socio-Economic Development Center for Southeast Asians (SEDC), Providence Spanish 7th Day Adventist Church, and Olneyville Housing Corporation.

All volunteers are certified by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service.