FRCA Awarded IRS VITA Grant in Partnership with RI Community Action Agencies

Family Resources Community Action (FRCA) was awarded a VITA grant of $40,200 from the IRS to assist with delivering the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program. FRCA will serve as the lead organization for the project working with partners Comprehensive Community Action Program, East Bay Community Action Partnership, Blackstone Valley Community Action Program, Community Action Partnership of Providence, South County Community Action Program and Tri-Town Community Action Program. The partners will work in conjunction with the RI Community Action Association to promote the program throughout the state.

Through the VITA program, low-moderate income individuals receive free tax preparation assistance from IRS-certified volunteers. In 2012, the VITA partners collectively prepared over 5,050 returns, returning over $8.2 million to the local communities, $3.27 million of which was from Earned Income Tax Credits (EITC).  The program saves individuals hundreds of dollars in tax preparation fees, and ensures they receive the EITC and other tax credits they are eligible for. “The funds received through this IRS grant will strengthen the VITA programs administered by FRCA and other Community Action Agencies in Rhode Island helping us to better serve low-moderate income individuals and families,” said Ben Lessing, FRCA Executive Director. “During these difficult times it is particularly important that low-moderate income families have more money in their pockets for rent, utilities, food, and other basic needs. This also has an overall multiplier effect of economically supporting communities such as Woonsocket.”

FRCA is currently seeking individuals with a background in finance and at least a basic level of tax knowledge to become IRS-Certified Volunteer Income Tax Preparers for the new tax season that begins in mid-January. Individuals served in FRCA’s VITA program are routinely linked to the agency’s financial literacy training and Financial Opportunity Center as well as the Employment & Training and other programs to further strengthen their financial condition. For more information about FRCA programs or to volunteer for the VITA program, call 401-766-0900 or visit www.famresri.org.