Community Partners
EARNED INCOME TAX CREDIT INFORMATION
What is the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)?
EITC stands for Earned Income Tax Credit. It is a monetary benefit through the federal government for low to moderate income individuals/families. It is determined and received through federal income tax returns.
What is Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)?
VITA is Volunteer Income Tax Assistance. It is a FREE federal income tax preparation service by volunteers, trained by the IRS for low to moderate income individuals/families. Dial United Way 2-1-1 for VITA site locations and hours of operation or click here.
What is CAUW’s involvement with EITC and VITA?
CAUW’s mission is Helping People – Improving Communities. One of our goals in reaching this mission is helping people achieve financial stability. United Way has joined this effort with the Baton Rouge Building Asset Coalition and the Department of Social Services to:
- Help find volunteers to help give free tax assistance
- Provide United Way 2-1-1 as the main contact line for information on EITC and VITA
- Promote EITC and VITA to its donors companies, non-profit agencies, and individual donors
A tax refund often is the largest check a person receives during the year. This is an opportune time to start saving money. Taxpayers who come to VITA sites can find out about some great programs to help them to leverage their refund towards the financial success of their family. These asset-building programs provide financial education, homebuyer’s education, down payment assistance, and low interest car loans.
How can I volunteer to help give free tax preparation?
Please visit www.brabc.homestead.com to volunteer to give free tax preparation. To volunteer you must be a certified CPA or you can take a FREE basic training course online at http://www.irs.gov/app/vita/basic.jsp to get certified.
How can I find out if I qualify?
Dial United Way 2-1-1 or 1-877-923-2114
FREE PRESCRIPTION CARD INFORMATION
Click to print your card now!
Capital Area United Way has partnered with the UNA Rx Card in an effort to help make prescription drugs more affordable to all members of our community. The prescription card is a tool to help people save on their prescriptions whether they have insurance, no insurance, or Medicare.
IT'S FREE: Capital Area United Way is distributing the prescription cards to all members of the community at no charge. You do not have to purchase the card. It is free.
HOW DOES IT WORK? Simply present your card and prescription to a participating pharmacy to find out if you can obtain a discounted price on your prescription (pharmacies located on back of card). If you have health insurance, a pharmacist will determine whether you will get a higher discount from your insurance or by using the free prescription card. The pharmacist may ask you for your ID#. This can be your phone number or any ten digit number. The cards are pre-activated and require no registration.
HOW MUCH YOU SAVE: This card can save you and your family an average of 32%. Discounts on generic drugs can range from 10-75% and name brands 5-50%. Not all prescriptions will be covered all of the time. Please show your card for every prescription that you fill.
NO RESTRICTIONS: Use your card as often as you need. There are no fees, enrollment forms, age or income requirements, waiting periods, health questions or participation requirements.
BENEFITS TO THE COMMUNITY: Capital Area United Way will receive a $1 contribution every time the card is accepted. This donation is made possible by the participation of numerous pharmaceutical companies nationwide.
OTHER INFORMATION:
· The free drug cards are really 100% free, there are no strings attached
· This is a discount prescription card program – not insurance. There are no premiums or co-payments to be paid.
· The free drug card discount card program is funded through the participation of numerous pharmacies and pharmaceutical manufacturers nationwide
· The free drug cards will work at most pharmacies nationwide