Best Ways to Get Free Tax Help

Many of us need information when preparing our federal tax returns. We have questions about dependents, which forms to use and how to claim a credit.  Perhaps we have a change in our circumstances a new addition, new job, or a change in family structure.

Here are the best ways to get free help in Virginia Beach:

• Visit the IRS on the Web.  The IRS.gov website is a wonderful resource to get your questions answered.  Before you go anywhere else, look here for tips and information that will help you file your federal tax return. This page has links to information about filing options, the latest news and frequently asked questions.

You will also find links to a number of online tools like the Interactive Tax Assistant and the IRS Tax Map for answers to your tax questions. Use ’Where’s My Refund?’ to check on your refund or use the EITC Assistant to see if you’re eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit. You can also get all the forms and publications you need 24x7.

• Virginia Beach EITC website.  Looking for local resources?  Visit www.vbgov.com/eitc to connect to all the IRS and local resources you need to gain access to the Earned Income Tax Credit and other credits that can help boost your income at tax time.

• Use Free File to do your taxes.  If you made $58,000 or less, you can use Free File tax software to e-file your tax return. The software is easy to use and will guide you through the steps of filing your taxes. If your income is more than $58,000 and you’re comfortable doing your own taxes, you can use Free File Fillable Forms. This program is the electronic version of IRS paper forms..

• Get tax help in your community.  The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program helps people who make $52,000 or less prepare and file their tax returns for free.  In the South Hampton Roads area the South Hampton Roads EITC Coaltion has a number of locations throughout the region where people can receive one on one tax assistance.  Just visit www.shreitc.com for more information. The Tax Counseling for the Elderly program offers help mainly to people 60 or older. AARP is part of the TCE program and helps taxpayers with low-to-moderate incomes. In Virginia Beach, Central Library and Princess Anne Library have volunteers through the tax season to assist you in getting your return prepared.

Bank On Graduates another class!

BANK ON GRADUATING CLASS JANUARY 2014 

A great time was had by all at the Bank On Virginia Beach Graduation Ceremony January 25, 2014.  Mayor William D. Sessoms, Jr. was on hand to congratulate all the Mayor's Action Challengers.  Coaches and instructors were on hand to cheer people on to success! 

Linda and Chester Holliman gave their testimony of how Bank On has strengthend their financial condition and how their coach Bobbi Lane was an inspiration for them to keep doing the next thing.  This could be your story if you are enrolled in Bank On Classes.  Stick with it and see your challenge through to the end. 

Save Your Refund!

We at the Financial Empowerment program are proud to announce a partnership with Save Your Refund.  Save Your Refund provides weekly drawings of $100 for taxpayers who split their refund into two accounts, earmarking at least $50 for savings.  Taxpayers can also enroll for a grand prize drawing of $25,000.  All you have to do is share a picture of what you are saving for and load it to their website. 

Anyone of any income is eligible to participate in Save Your Refund.  Just prepare your taxes (or have them prepared at one of our many free tax preparation locations) and designate $50 or more to your savings account - must split your deposit to two accounts.  Then enroll at www.saveyourrefund.com!  You can get rewarded for saving this tax season. 

This is a great opportunity to leverage your savings and even get a kick back!  Good luck!

Starting a Small Business?

Launch Hampton Roads is Opportunity Inc.'s grant to provide entrepreneurship training under the U.S. Department of Labor's Workforce Innovation Fund as part of a three region Virginia consortium that includes organizations in Northern Virginia and Richmond. In Hampton Roads, the program will provide 250 adult and dislocated workers eligible for Workforce Investment Act (WIA) services with comprehensive entrepreneurship training and technical assistance through our program partner Old Dominion University. All clients will receive customized training in a core curriculum that includes: business planning; accounting; finance and credit; and sales and marketing. The educational component will be further enriched with services that include entrepreneurship mentoring; networking and special events; and specialized training in areas like federal contracting.

Orientation Sessions are free, just register  and select the session that works best for your schedule. 

Feb 18th - 9:30 - 11:00 am
Mar 3 - 2:00 - 3:30 pm
Mar 4 1:30 - 3:00 pm
Mar 13 9:30 - 11:00 am
Mar 18  10:00 - 11:30 am
Mar 18  3:00 -4:30 pm
Mar 20  10:00 - 11:30 am

Need Health Insurance?

Did you know that with the Affordable Care Act that there are credits that can help you access quality health insurance at little or no cost to you?  Here's the trick... you have to enroll before March 31st when open enrollment closes.  While you may get healthcare at a lower cost, you must enroll in order to avoid the penalties that are associated with this program.  To help you get enrolled, the City of Virginia Beach is conducting Health Insurance Marketplace Enrollment Sessions where you can get one on one assistance from Certified Application Counselors. 

Wednesday Feb. 19	​ Kempsville Library  832 Kempsville Road	​11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
​Thursday Feb. 27	​Joint Use Library 1700 College Crescent Bldg. L (corner of S. Rosemont Rd. & Faculty Blvd.)	​4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
​Thursday March 6	​Joint Use Library 1700 College Crescent Bldg. L (corner of S. Rosemont Rd. & Faculty Blvd.)	​11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
​Tuesday March 11	​Meyera E. Oberndorf Central Library 4100 Virginia Beach Blvd.	​4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Saturday March 22	Joint Use Library 1700 College Crescent Bldg. L (corner of S. Rosemont Rd. & Faculty Blvd.)	10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Saturday March 29	Joint Use Library 1700 College Crescent Bldg. L (corner of S. Rosemont Rd. & Faculty Blvd.)	10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Individual Appointments are also available by calling 757-518-2700 press #6 and leave a message to schedule an appointment.  There is a lengthy pause before the message picks up.  Hang on, then leave your info.

Information about other enrollment events throughout Hampton Roads can be found at www.healthyvb.com.  

Love yourself this week and see a coach to help you get where you are going!

Love yourself this Valentine's Day and complete your monthly assignment.

•Get your credit score (CreditKarma free)
•Complete Starting Position
•Join Virginia Saves
•Complete MY Future
•Visit Blog  http://bankonvb.blogspot.com
•Schedule Appointment with coach


In other news Virginia is the land of opportunity:
http://www.opp-inc.org/entrepreneurship-resources/launch-hampton-roads