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 Economic Supports Committee
CASH's Economic Supports Commitee includes the coordination of the free tax preparation network, part of a national initiative designed to assist families in accessing the Earned Income Tax Credits (as well as other credits) while receiving assistance with federal and state tax preparation. The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) was enacted in 1975 to provide an incentive for people who work and file a tax return. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the EITC has moved more people above the federal poverty line than any other federal program. Unfortunately, up to 25% of those eligible do not claim the refundable credit as well as other social program benefits.
Here in Buffalo and Erie County, individuals claiming the EITC receive an average credit of $2,000 while families with two or more children receive up to $5,000. In 2003, however, more than $40 million in EITC funds went unclaimed in Erie County, as over 11,500 eligible taxpayers did not apply for this credit.
The Free Tax Preparation Network was formed to ensure that people were accessing EITC as well as other tax-related funds. Thanks to initial funding from The John R. Oishei Foundation, the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo, and the WNY Women’s Fund, CASH has been able to provide support for 10-12 free tax preparation sites. The results have been impressive.
Over the last three years, the local volunteer network has completed more than 38,000 state and federal tax returns for families and individuals in Buffalo and Erie County and brought more than 40 million dollars into our community via tax refunds and credits.
The Economic Supports Committee also seeks to encourage the use of the Self-Sufficiency Calculator and Seedco’s EarnBenefits program. These web-based tools help working adults to access a variety of work supports including Medicaid, food stamps, and HEAP by screening income eligibility; estimating the benefit amounts; providing ready access to key information sources (including addresses and phone numbers); and calculating how well a given wage will meet a working individual’s real expenses.
Over the last several months, the Economic Supports Committee has:
- Submitted a grant request to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Community Services for on-going support of the free tax preparation network coordinator position;
- Submitted a grant request and was awarded a West Seneca Youth Bureau Americorps*VISTA member to serve as a full-time “Community Engagement Coordinator;” this individual will be responsible for community outreach to neighborhood, community, business, and faith locations in order to secure tax preparation program participants and volunteers, assist in the development of consumer-friendly marketing materials and educational handouts; and help coordinate volunteer activities; this position was filled in June.
- Submitted a funding request and was very recently awarded funds from the Community Foundation of Greater Buffalo Hanna Peters Trust to fund the Americorps*VISTA position and some limited marketing materials;
- Submitted a funding request to Points of Light Foundation to secure assistance with volunteer recruitment activities for free tax preparation network;
- Met with staff from Seedco, Canisius College Students for Free Enterprise (SIFE), University at Buffalo School of Management, and UB School of Social Work to secure volunteers and interns as well as in other relationship capacities;
- Secured volunteers to leaflet 14215 zip code area as part of United Way of Buffalo and Erie County’s Day of Caring activities (August 15th 2007) – ESSC is hoping to expand these efforts with members as well;
- Established date and location for “CASH IN Saturday!” – January 24th 2009 at the CASH Hope Center in the Tri-Main Building.
To get involved in this group, please complete the member form.
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