Free Virtual Tax Appointments Available for Eligible County Residents Through Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program

For Immediate Release: Thursday, September 3, 2020

The Community Action Agency's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program is using a virtual tax preparation model during the COVID-19 emergency. Virtual VITA allows eligible residents to have their taxes prepared for free by a certified tax preparer using an online platform.  No in-person contact is required. 

VITA is scheduling off-season appointments for 2018 and 2019 and amended tax returns for those years. Appointments are available for those living in Montgomery County with household income of $56,000 or less. Appointments are available on weekdays during regular business and evening hours.  Call 240-777-1123 to schedule an appointment.  

Outreach flyers are available in multiple languages at montgomerycountymd.gov/CASHBACK.

The VITA program is working to link community members to Economic Impact Payments, especially non-filers who must submit information to the IRS by Oct. 15 to receive their payments. Visit the IRS website to learn more about COVID-19 IRS Economic Impact Payments.

This year, Community Action’s VITA program served 1,746 individuals and families, helping these households receive almost $4 million in tax refunds, including nearly $1.1 million in EITC. Eighty volunteers supported the program, serving more than 1,672 hours. Community Action’s VITA program is the only year-round tax preparation services in Montgomery County. 

To learn more about volunteer opportunities with the VITA program, please send email to [email protected] or call 240-777-1123.

Put the “count” in Montgomery County! Be sure to complete the Census online, by phone, or by mail. It’s safe, confidential, easy, and important. #2020Census #EveryoneCountsMCMD 

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Release ID: 20-474
Media Contact: Mary Anderson 240-777-6507