CAS, Solobay to Offer Free Tax Help

Community Action Southwest and state are partnering to offer free, basic, online income tax filing assistance to qualified working taxpayers in two of his district offices.

“Too many people can’t afford to get qualified help and miss out on key tax breaks,” Solobay, D-Canonsburg said. “I’m glad to host these great volunteers who put so much time into helping others get their taxes sorted out.”

Last year, through its Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program, CAS assisted more than 500 households in Washington and Greene counties in filing their income taxes, bringing back $580,000 in refunds.

CAS operates its VITA Program in partnership with the IRS and through funding from the United Way of Washington County and the Greene County United Way. Most of the volunteers who assist taxpayers are students from Washington & Jefferson College and Waynesburg University.

The help is open to anyone who earned less than $50,000 in 2011, regardless of the number of people living in the household. VITA sites will be open through April 5, in both counties.

Solobay will be hosting the VITA tax preparers from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m at his Washington district office on Monday and March 12th, and at his Canonsburg district office on Feb. 24th and March 20th.  

Eligibility requirements are the same as those for CAS's program and appointments are required. For information on qualifications or other preparation sites, contact Solobay’s district office at 724-746-3762 or visit www.senatorsolobay.com.