Community Action’s VITA Program Kicks Off Tax Season by Celebrating Earned Income Tax Credit Awareness Day on Thursday, January 23

For Immediate Release: Thursday, January 23, 2025

The Montgomery County Community Action Agency's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program kicked off the tax season by celebrating Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Awareness Day. Partners delivering VITA services, along with elected officials, community leaders and residents, gathered at the Activity Center at Bohrer Park in Gaithersburg to emphasize the importance of claiming the EITC and raise awareness about the free tax assistance offered through the VITA program. The program plays a crucial role in helping income-eligible residents file their taxes and access valuable tax credits, such as the EITC, which can provide significant financial support for local families. The Community Action Agency is part of the County's Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).

A new feature of this year's event was a panel discussion focused on innovative programs that help County residents move toward the Self-Sufficiency Standard. Facilitated by Dr. Jeffery Johnson, chair of the Community Action Board, the panel featured:

• Richon Nembhard, manager of DHHS' Planning, Analytics and Customer Service, discussing the County's Guaranteed Income Pilot Program;
• Lucy Smart, director of Tax Education and Training for the CASH Campaign of Maryland, discussing tax credits and VITA services; and
• Renee Nicolosi, division manager of Community Services for the City of Gaithersburg, discussing the Gaithersburg Financial Empowerment Center.

The event also featured remarks from Maryland Comptroller Brooke E. Lierman, Gaithersburg Mayor Jud Ashman, DHHS Director Dr. James Bridgers, the IRS, Community Action Agency VITA staff and a VITA program participant.

The County's VITA Partnership includes AARP, CASA, the Equity Center, Community Tax Aid, CASH Campaign of Maryland and the Gaithersburg Financial Empowerment Center.

"Direct File offers a better way to file taxes for all eligible Marylanders," said Maryland Comptroller Lierman. "It is designed to empower users through a transparent and easy-to-use interface. I am excited that Maryland is one of 25 states participating in the program this year and that we are providing a free and easy way for nearly one million people to complete their tax return and keep more of the money that they earn."

The event also underscored that Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN) taxpayers are eligible for both the State credit and the County's Working Families Income Supplement (WFIS). The WFIS makes Montgomery County one of only a few local jurisdictions with its own supplement to the state EITC.

"Our County's VITA program is a lifeline for many of our residents, helping families access critical tax credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit and the Child Tax Credit," said County Executive Marc Elrich. "These credits have a proven track record of lifting people out of poverty and giving them the tools to achieve greater financial stability. With the addition of our Working Families Income Supplement, Montgomery County is one of the few jurisdictions that offers a local supplement to the State Earned Income Tax Credit, ensuring even more support for our families. This program not only puts money back into residents' pockets but also helps build a pathway to self-sufficiency. I encourage all eligible residents to take advantage of these free services and claim every dollar they've earned."

The Montgomery County VITA Partnership, organized by the Community Action Agency, provides free tax preparation services to County residents with household incomes of $67,000 or less, with IRS-certified preparers assisting taxpayers. The AARP program also serves residents with higher incomes. All of the tax assistance programs assist ITIN filers, and both the Community Action and CASA VITA sites offer help with ITIN applications. Last year, the Community Action Agency's VITA program completed 2,246 returns, delivering $8.6 million in tax refunds to County residents.

Information about Montgomery County VITA sites, tax credits and how to schedule an appointment is available at montgomerycountymd.gov/CASHBACK or by calling 311.

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Release ID: 25-041
Media Contact: Leah Goldfine
Categories: Tax

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