Free Tax Preparation Appointments Still Available Through United Way Vita Program

This tax season has been one of pleasant surprises for many mid- to low-income individuals and families in Central Oregon. Tax return dollars continue to roll into the bank accounts of hundreds of individuals and families who have taken advantage of the VITA Take Credit Tax Program.  With two weeks still to go, the program, offered this year by United Way of Deschutes County in cooperation with Partnership to End Poverty, has already produced a record number of returns and garnered more than a million dollars in tax return refunds for local residents – a substantial increase over prior year efforts.

“This is exciting for all of us,” says United Way Programs Manager, Pat McGuinness. “Our volunteers have been extremely dedicated and conscientious in working with the people we are serving and with the IRS to produce the best return results possible.”

With that in mind, McGuinness offers the reminder to taxpayers that there is still time to have your taxes prepared for free but encourages people not to wait until the last minute. “Appointments have remained strong throughout March but we don’t want to leave anyone without assistance,” she said. Tax credits offerings are numerous and substantial so getting the best results through the efforts of trained volunteers just makes sense, she says.  While appointments are encouraged, the Take Credit Program has managed to assist some walk-in patrons at the Bend and Redmond sites.

If appointments remain strong, the VITA volunteer group will be offering an additional tax preparation day on Monday, April 15 at the downtown Bend Library in addition to the existing schedule at Lynch Elementary School in Redmond. The last day to have taxes prepared in Prineville will be April 13 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information or to make an appointment, please call the below numbers.

Bend Downtown Library Wednesday   | 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

541.389.6507                                      Sat & Sun. | 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Redmond Lynch Elem Mon/Wed | 4 p.m. -7 p.m.

541.389.6507

Prineville COIC Saturdays | 9 am – 4 p.m.

541.447.3260

For more information visit:  www.takecredit.org.