Richmond/Petersburg-area households earning under $54,000 are eligible for MetroCASH
Tax season has returned, and so has the free tax-preparation service sponsored by United Way of Greater Richmond & Petersburg.
United Way’s MetroCASH program, which provides free tax-preparation and financial guidance to families earning $54,000 or less, kicks off its seasonal operations on January 29 with 15 locations across Richmond, Hanover County, Henrico County, Chesterfield County, Charles City, Goochland County and Petersburg.
Staffed by IRS-certified volunteer tax preparers who can help taxpayers complete and electronically file their federal and state returns, MetroCASH also provides financial advice that helps taxpayers with ways to save, financial best practices and plans for achieving financial independence. It also helps eligible taxpayers take advantage of the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), a tax-saving benefit for those with low to moderate income.
“Our MetroCASH program has been making positive, tangible differences in people’s lives for the past 15 years,” said James Taylor, CEO of the United Way of Greater Richmond & Petersburg. “By helping families in need save money—particularly through the EITC—United Way helps lift people out of poverty, giving them the resources to spend on health, education and other life-changing investments.”
In 2017, local MetroCASH volunteers helped more than 3,100 households with tax preparation. A total of $800,000 in EITC funds was distributed by the IRS to families who took advantage of the service.
The 15 MetroCASH locations are open at different times and days in order to accommodate a variety of schedules.
For more information, visit www.yourunitedway.org/metrocash.