C.A.S.H. Team Preps for 2009 Tax Season

December 1, 2008

Author: Rita M. Eygabroad Garretson

The Rochester C.A.S.H. team is in the midst of preparing for the 2009 tax season.  C.A.S.H. - Creating Assets, Savings, and Hope - is a community coalition led by Empire Justice Center and the United Way of Greater Rochester, with the mission of creating opportunities for low income workers in Monroe County to get, keep and grow their money.

During tax season, with the help of hundreds of community volunteers, C.A.S.H. provides free income tax preparation services to low income working households.  In addition, during their visit to a C.A.S.H. site, tax filers can open free checking and savings accounts, check their credit report, learn about home buying programs, savings programs, affordable health care and insurance, food stamps, low cost loans and more.

Although a worker earning less than $8,950 may not be required to pay income taxes, they should still file a tax return to determine if they are eligible for refundable tax credits designed for low income workers and to claim a refund of taxes that may have been withheld by their employer.  Even workers without children can claim the Earned Income Tax Credit if they meet the income guidelines.  Services at C.A.S.H. sites are free, so filers don’t have to worry about their   refund being reduced by fees to pay a preparer.

People who missed out on filing for the economic stimulus payment before October 2008 will have the opportunity to file in 2009.  Remember, in order to qualify for the 2008 stimulus payment, filers must have at least $3,000 in qualified income.  Qualified income includes income from a job or self-employment, social security benefits, veteran’s benefits, and railroad retirement benefits. Supplemental Security Income [SSI] is not considered qualifying income.

During 2009, C.A.S.H. will provide free services to households with income of up to $42,000. C.A.S.H. sites will be open January 24, 2009 through April 14, 2009.  Be sure to note these super site locations (Downtown Rochester and Irondequoit sites have moved):

• City of Rochester – Behind the Volunteers of America store at 214 Lake Avenue, 14608
• Irondequoit – Depot Plaza, 999 E. Ridge Road, 14621 (near K-Mart, between Carter and Portland)
• Henrietta – South Town Plaza, 3333 W. Henrietta, 14623, (next to Dollar Tree)

C.A.S.H. partner sites open to the public will be operated by Action for a Better Community, Catholic Family Center, Community Place of Greater Rochester, Family Restoration Project, Genesee Co-Op Federal Credit Union, Roberts Wesleyan College, and Urban League.  Call 585-242-6485 in January to schedule appointments.

This year, C.A.S.H. needs 700 volunteers to meet our community’s growing demand for services.  Not all C.A.S.H. volunteers prepare tax returns.  There are a variety of volunteer roles including front desk management, advising clients about community resources, or preparing taxes.  No experience is necessary other than being comfortable with using a computer.  C.A.S.H. will provide all of the training and materials that you need to have a rewarding experience as a volunteer.  Sign language interpreters and bi-lingual volunteers are very welcome. To learn more about volunteer opportunities with C.A.S.H., click on C.A.S.H. at: www.empirejustice.org, e-mail cash@empirejustice.org or call Candice Lucas at 585-295-5733.  For more information on how to set up a similar project in your area, contact Rita Eygabroad at: reygabroad@empirejustice.org.