TAMA NEWS-HERALD (SPECIAL) – Along with its collaborators, Mid-Iowa Community Action, Inc (MICA), a nonprofit agency serving low-income children and families, will soon be launching the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program in Tama County. In cooperation with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), the VITA program offers free tax preparation to low-income individuals and families.

As part of an outreach campaign designed to educate individuals and families in local communities, trained VITA program volunteers not only prepare taxes free of charge, but they also help families locate tax credits for which they may not realize they qualify, including the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). EITC is a tax credit offered to low to moderate income working individuals and families. This year, a family with more than two children and an annual income of less than $48,279 could earn as much as $5,657 on their tax refund.

Tax credits also apply to families with two children and an annual income of less than $45,295 and families with one children and an annual income of less than $40,463. Individuals and married couples without children also qualify if they earn less than $18,440 and are between the ages of 25 and 64.

In order to receive tax assistance through the VITA program, individuals and families must setup an appointment through Tama County Extension by calling 641-484-2703.