Hartford Organizations To Receive $140,000 To Support Free Tax Assistance Program

For Immediate Release: November 10, 2010

Contact: Paul Mounds 860-278-8888

LARSON: HARTFORD ORGANIZATIONS TO RECEIVE $140,000 TO SUPPORT FREE TAX ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

Washington, D.C.-Today, U.S. Congressman John B. Larson, member of the House Ways and Means Committee, announced $140,000 in federal funding for two Hartford-based organizations to provide free federal tax return preparation and electronic filing to low and moderate income individuals and families. The Connecticut Association for Human Services (CAHS) and Co-Opportunity, Inc will receive $80,000 and $60,000 respectively through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program.

"The VITA program plays an important role in our community, providing free tax assistance and ensuring that individuals and families are provided with all of their qualified tax credits," said Congressman Larson. "In this past filing cycle, CAHS and Co-Opportunity opened over 60 VITA sites and this funding will allow them to continue their work and open new locations while ensuring the quality and accuracy of prepared tax returns."

For tax year 2010, individuals and families with an adjusted gross income of $49,000 or lower are eligible for assistance.

In February, Congressman Larson sent out a newsletter to families and individuals in the region to inform them of the services provided at VITA centers and to offer his office's assistance in answering questions about eligible tax benefits.

Congressman Larson serves on the House Ways and Means Committee, which has jurisdiction over the nation's tax code, trade policy, Social Security, and Medicare.

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