FREE BASIC INCOME TAX PREPARATION FOR LOW-INCOME INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES

POTTSTOWN, PA — Family Services, the Montgomery County Asset Building Coalition and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) are offering free basic income tax preparation for low-to-moderate income individuals and families (who earned less than $54,000 in 2015) through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program.

The IRS trains and certifies all VITA volunteers to prepare and electronically file income tax forms. VITA volunteers are trained to assist clients in claiming special credits and refunds, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). The mission of the program is to help working families improve their finances and increase their self-sufficiency.

“We can help put money back in your pocket,” said Lupe Hernandez, Family Services’ VITA site coordinator. “By filing your taxes through a VITA site, not only will you save money in filing fees, but you’ll also receive your tax refund as soon as possible.”

Family Services is offering VITA appointments at two locations in Montgomery County:

• Family Services’ Pottstown Office, 1976 East High Street, Pottstown. Appointment times: Mondays and Tuesdays, 5-8 p.m. and Saturdays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
• Family Services’ Eagleville Office, 3125 Ridge Pike, Eagleville. Appointment times:  Thursdays, 5-8 p.m.

Appointments are required. To schedule an appointment at the sites listed above, please call Family Services at 610-326-1610.

Individuals should bring the following documents to their VITA appointment:

• Photo identification (driver’s license or state-issued identification card) for self and spouse
• Social security cards for self, spouse and dependents
• Birth dates for self, spouse and dependents
• Wage and earning statement(s) (Form W-2, 1099, unemployment statements) from all employers for self and spouse
• Health insurance statement (Forms 1095-A, 1095-B or 1095-C)
• Interest and dividend statements from banks for self and spouse
• Bank account and routing numbers for direct deposit
• Other relevant information about income and expenses
• Total paid for daycare, daycare provider’s address and tax identification number
• Form 8332 or a copy of a divorce decree if you are a non-custodial parent claiming a child
• A copy of last year’s federal and state tax returns (if available)
• If filing jointly, both the filer and spouse must be present to sign the tax return.

For a complete list of VITA tax preparation sites in Montgomery County, please visitwww.mcassetbuilding.org.

Would you prefer to file your taxes in the comfort of your own home? Now you can—for free and without an appointment! Individuals or families with a combined income under $62,000 may prepare and file their own federal and state taxes online at www.myfreetaxes.com/fsmontco.org. This website is powered by H&R Block and sponsored by Walmart and the United Way.

Since 1900, Family Services has been caring for children, seniors and families in Montgomery County who face everyday emotional difficulties or physical hardships. The agency’s innovative social service programs make a positive difference in the lives of 13,000 county residents each year. For more information, contact Family Services’ Pottstown Office at 610-326-1610 or visit http://www.fsmontco.org.

Workshop For Fathers

Dare To Be The Best, a free, interactive workshop for fathers.  Participants will be supported in being the best parent they can be through father-child interaction, case management, education, and advocacy. Information about community resources, services and programs will be available.  The workshop will be held on six consecutive Wednesday evenings beginning May 1, 6:30–8 p.m. at Family Services’ Pottstown Office, 1976 East High Street, Pottstown. 

Pre-registration is required.  Registration deadline is Friday, April 26.

For more information or to register, contact Rob Gaskill at610-326-1610 ext. 239 or rgaskill@fsmontco.org.

Hershey Chocolatefest This Weekend! A Chocoholics Paradise!

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Imagine a chocolate festival in Hershey, Pennsylvania.  That took some serious thought, LOL!

On January 15^th and 16th, Chocolatefest will take place at the Hershey Lodge located at Chocolate Avenue and University Drive in Hershey.  Festivities start at 6 p.m. on Saturday and continue on Sunday morning, starting at 11 a.m.  Doug Allen, from WGAL TV in Lancaster, will host the events.

A ChocolateBall will begin the festivities at 6 p.m. on Saturday evening.  The theme is Jamaica.  The black-tie affair includes a reception, silent auctions, a raffle, dancing and music by Class Act featuring Rita.  The cost is $100.00, per person.

On Sunday morning things continue with a reception of champagne, wine, hors d’oeuvres and a cake competition at 11 a.m.  The reception is $50.00.  The reception will be followed by two tasting sessions of confectionary samples from local restaurants, retailers, hotels and caterers.  The first session will start at 1 p.m., followed by a second session at 3:15 p.m.  Both sessions will last 1 hour and 45 minutes.  Tickets are $20.00 in advance or $25.00 at the door. (Tickets are limited)  Children ages 5 – 12 are $5.00 (there will be children’s activities) 

What is the best part of Chocolatefest?  It is a fundraiser for Keystone Human Services, a family of nonprofit organizations which provides comprehensive community-based services for children, young people, adults and families in the areas of intellectual disabilities (mental retardation), autism, mental health, early intervention and children and family services.  You can learn more about this organization by clicking here http://www.keystonehumanservices.org/

Tickets can be purchased by calling 717-232-7509 or directly from Boscov’s, The Hershey Lodge, Giant Food Stores and Metro Bank.