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Bank of America and United Way Announce Free Tax Help Program
Boise, Idaho – Business, government and non-profit leaders from across the Treasure Valley gathered today at the Boise Senior Center to kick-off this year’s Free Tax Help Program and announce 19 locations which will soon offer free tax assistance to qualified families and individuals. The program provides important resources and information to help the elderly, low-income, non-English speaking, and disabled taxpayers with the preparation of their tax returns by trained volunteers and at no cost to them.
United Way of Treasure Valley, who is helping promote this year’s program along with Bank of America, said that last year more than $11 million in Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) went unclaimed here in the Treasure Valley alone. “We have an opportunity to help thousands of people gain greater financial independence,” said Sally Zive, President and CEO, United Way of Treasure Valley. “EITC lifts more families out of poverty than any other federal aid program, providing families with increased savings, reduced debt and the ability to enroll in financial training and education programs. However, if people don’t know about this program – this money will continue to go unclaimed and our local economy will suffer.”
Idaho State Treasurer Ron Crane who spoke at today’s event is also serving as the program’s spokesman this year. During the event, organizers played a radio commercial featuring Crane, which will soon begin airing on Treasure Valley radio stations. “In Idaho, this day marks the kick-off of the Free Tax Help Program around the State,” said Crane. “This particular event focuses on those 19 sites right here in the Treasure Valley – one of which is in this building. For those individuals and families needing this service, all they have to do is call 2-1-1, the Idaho CareLine, to get information about the site nearest them.”
Families who’s income is less than $40,000 a year may qualify for the EITC. Some may receive up to $4,716 per eligible family in returns, which could make a huge difference in their lives, not to mention helping to boost our local economy.
Besides calling 2-1-1, you can also visit United Way’s website for a full list of free tax site locations and hours.
Along with the radio announcements, the media campaign will also include billboards, posters, and advertising on all Valley Ride buses in Boise and Nampa. Valley Ride donated free ad space to the program. Bank of America is sponsoring the campaign along with media partners who are matching all paid advertising with free ads to help get-the-word-out about the program.
Other partners include 211 - the Idaho CareLine, the Coalition for Economic Improvement, AARP Tax-Aide, the IRS, and other local organizations. For more information about United Way of Treasure Valley visit www.unitedwaytv.org. For more information about Bank of America visit www.bankofamerica.com.
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