CAPSAW to expand free tax program

Anna Leavitt, coordinator of the Community Action Partnership of Staunton, Augusta and Waynesboro (CAPSAW), announced an expansion of their free tax preparation services through Valley VITA.  Partners in this program include the Virginia Extension Office, the United Way of Greater Augusta, Augusta County Schools, Staunton Parks and Recreation, the Staunton Creative Community Fund and Mary Baldwin College.

Valley VITA provides free tax preparation and financial education options that open the door to a wide range of other services.  “We hope to engage clients in meaningful conversations and to boost the overall financial stability of our region.” Leavitt says, “This program is absolutely essential for the financial health of our community.”

Tax Service Coordinator, Deb Koons explains that additional locations and services have been added for the next tax season.  In addition to the two existing sites, Valley VITA will offer appointment services at both the Staunton Creative Community Fund and the United Way of Greater Augusta beginning in February. Koons says that this year clients will be able to take advantage of expanded economic stability programming as well as opportunities to file both federal and state taxes for free.  “In three years our volunteers have helped community members file over 400 returns brining over $600,000 in federal and state refunds and saving those filers over $90,000 in fees.”   Program staff expects to see these numbers continue to grow this season.

Volunteers are currently being recruited with IRS certified training scheduled to begin in November.  Please contact CAPSAW at [email protected] for more information or by calling 540-221-1654.