Dane County Executive Announces Help for Tax Preparation
March 20, 2017
Stephanie Miller 608-267-8823
County Executive
Targeted Equity Driven Outreach To Help Families
Today surrounded by citizens using the service and community partners, Dane County Executive Joe Parisi spoke with media highlighting free tax preparation help available through the UW-Extension. For the first time this year, Dane County is launching a new effort to make sure those living in poverty are aware of all available tax benefits for those with lower incomes. Dane County’s Department for Equity and Inclusion, the Human Services Department and the UW- Extension are each teaming up to reach out to targeted neighborhoods to try to increase the amount of taxes filed for the Earned Income Tax Credit and the Homestead Tax Credit.
“Helping people file for all the credits available can mean a few thousand extra dollars in their pockets,” said Dane County Executive Joe Parisi. “This outreach effort will help neighborhoods that need it most and bring critical dollars to families who are struggling. I encourage all to stop by the Tax Center to get assistance preparing your taxes. We are here to help.”
Dane County UW-Extension has run the Financial Education Center since 2005 and is a primary partner for the free tax service. The free income tax assistance site, the Richard Dilley Tax Center, prepares between 3,500 and 4,000 tax returns for free every year. This service alone brought $4.1 million in federal and state taxes back home to Dane County in 2015.
Families needing help getting their taxes done are being encouraged to take advantage of a free service being offered once again this tax season by Dane County and the UW-Extension. Under the free tax assistance program volunteers help low income, disabled and senior citizens prepare tax forms at no charge.
This year Dane County reached out to targeted areas to make sure citizens know by not filing tax returns they are potentially leaving thousands of dollars for their families on the table. Dane County Joining Forces for Families offices can help connect to many community services including tax preparation. Between the Earned Income Tax Credit and the Homestead Tax Credit there are thousands of dollars families will receive if they file.
Contact your local Joining Forces for Families office for more information on tax assistance. For more information about tax filing at the Richard Dilley Tax Center or volunteering you can call 608-283-1261.