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Volunteers get tax help to those who need it

It's hard to imagine that anyone would miss an opportunity to collect money from the federal government. Yet every year, tax credits available to low- and moderate-income households go unclaimed because potential recipients are unaware they're available, uncertain of their eligibility or unable to navigate the complexities of the federal tax system.

Social, economic and language barriers can further widen the gap between the need for tax preparation assistance and the trained volunteers who stand ready to offer their expertise.

Thankfully, a number of groups and individuals are working hard to build bridges to span those gaps. Providing access to free tax preparation assistance at strategic locations in multiple languages has proven to be a winning combination and a demonstrated way to help struggling families get back on their feet.

Identifying the need and forming partnerships to address the barriers to access, United Way's Family Matters Vision Council stepped up to the challenge last year. The impact of the program was astonishing, with 500 families receiving help and more than $770,000 in income tax refunds returned to this community -- directly benefiting our local economy. With an ambitious goal to increase outreach and serve 800 families this year, they're effectively tapping into the life-changing potential of these available tax credits.

Deborah Squire's passion for the project is evident. The United Way of Snohomish County vice president notes that "for many working families who are faced with making difficult choices each month, trying to make too little money stretch too far, this program provides an opportunity to get off the tightrope (where one little misstep knocks you down) onto secure ground."

She noted that while 83 percent of the people who got help last year used their refund to help cover basic needs such as food and rent, others used the money to purchase reliable transportation or improve their job situation.

Access to assistance is as close as a telephone call away. Staffers at the 211 social services hotline are standing by to help direct callers to a number of community-based resources offering free help on tax issues. Outreach programs designed to identify and target eligible individuals and families are also working to spread the word throughout the county and state.

Capitalizing on partnerships with schools, community centers and family resource agencies, local volunteer tax programs are building strong bridges. The message they're sending is simple and easily translated: "Come in. We'll help you."