REDMOND—Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01), on April 6, visited Hopelink’s Redmond Market and Service Center to discuss tax filing assistance options ahead of the April 15 filing deadline. Hopelink provides free Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) to local residents through volunteers with the AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps sponsored by United Way of King County.
“Filing taxes can be challenging for some but I’m committed to ensuring every Washingtonian can access the tax assistance they need,” said Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01). “With initiatives like the new IRS Direct File pilot and the services provided at Hopelink’s service centers, there are more assistance options available than ever before to lighten the burden on households across Washington state.”
“For over a decade, Hopelink and the United Way of King County (UWKC) have partnered to bring free tax preparation services to our community,” said Donna O’Connor, Financial Capability Program Manager, Hopelink. “Affordability is a struggle in our region and Hopelink is eager to support free tax preparation so individuals and families can access much needed funds through refunds and tax credits.”
“Thank you, Representative DelBene, for highlighting the incredible tax preparation work being done by our AmeriCorps members serving in the NCCC program,” said Michael D. Smith, CEO, AmeriCorps. “Every year, AmeriCorps members assist hundreds of thousands of low-income Americans with taxes. Last year, AmeriCorps members were able to return a record-breaking $84 million back to eligible families nationwide.”
“The team has valued the impact we’ve seen first-hand during our time filing taxes for folks in King County,” said Claudia Farrelly, Team Leader, AmeriCorps. “It has been especially powerful serving those who face additional barriers in accessing resources and ensuring they are receiving the refund they are entitled to while also explaining the American tax system to them in hopes of making this service a sustainable one.”
“United Way of King County is excited to welcome Congresswoman DelBene to our Free Tax Preparation site at Hopelink in Redmond. So far this year we have put more than $1 million a week back into the pockets of King County residents through Free Tax Preparation thanks to our donors, AmeriCorps members and volunteers. These dollars directly stimulate our local economy. This impact is possible because of the hard work of Members of Congress like Rep. DelBene. Congresswoman DelBene’s staunch support for AmeriCorps combines with her role on the Ways and Means Committee and commitment to tax credits for low-income workers, contributing to the tax system lifting hundreds of thousands of workers and their children out of poverty across our country each year. Congresswoman DelBene has been a tireless champion of permanently expanding the Child Tax Credit and has used her Congressional oversight role to increase fairness and reduce audits for families receiving the Earned Income Tax Credit. These credits are the tools we use to maximize returns for our clients. We appreciate her leadership and are glad to be able to host her at United Way’s Hopelink Free Tax Preparation site, which is open through April 13th. Other United Way tax sites will be open through the week of April 15th,” said Regina Malveaux, Chief Impact Officer, United Way of King County.
DelBene recently announced the launch of the IRS Direct File pilot, a free, fast, and secure federal filing system made possible with funding from the Democrats’ Inflation Reduction Act. Nearly 1.1 million Washingtonians are eligible for this new service. Taxpayers can log in to Direct File to start their return and complete it any time before the April 15 filing deadline.
DelBene also highlighted the importance of the Senate passing the bipartisan tax agreement that would support 273,000 Washington kids with an enhanced Child Tax Credit, putting money back in families’ pockets. Taxpayers can learn more about VITA tax assistance and where to find a site here.
SOURCE: Office of Congress Woman Suzan DelBene
Author: Lynnwood Times Staff
