With the tax season upon us, Heritage United Way has partnered with AARP NH Tax Aide
and Southern NH University to offer free Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites
throughout Greater Manchester from February 1 through April 15, 2010.  The VITA program
is generously underwritten by a $10,000 grant from the Bank of America Charitable
Foundation and a $5,000 grant from the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation.

In 2009, the Heritage United Way site was a resounding success with over $440,000 in
income tax refunds to working families and individuals in Manchester.  “We were thrilled
with the success of last year’s program and are working to process even more returns this
year in order to increase financial stability and long-term economic independence for
low- to moderate-income individuals in the community,” said Patrick Tufts, President &
CEO of Heritage United Way.

“Look no further than last year’s results to get an idea of how much this assistance means,
both figuratively and literally, to individuals and families in the Greater Manchester area,"
said John Weeks, New Hampshire state president, Bank of America.  “Our support of
Heritage United Way and their efforts is based on a shared goal of helping others attain
financial stability.”

VITA programs help families and individuals with low-to-moderate incomes.  Trained
volunteer tax assistors explain the many special credits and deductions and how to
claim them on their tax returns.  Volunteers also help individuals complete and
electronically file their returns- all for free.

The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) was created to reduce the tax burden on lower-income
workers and to supplement their wages.  The credit can increase an eligible family’s wages
by as much as 20 percent. 

There are additional sites in Manchester and throughout the state.  For additional
information or to find the location of a site near you, please dial 2-1-1.