Iowa State University Extension

Problem:
Families often miss the opportunity to receive earned income tax refunds because they fail to complete the necessary forms or complete filing information incorrectly. Tax refunds are reduced because of fees paid when individuals choose to receive a refund anticipation loan.

Response:
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance programs provide free income tax preparation for families with incomes below $40,000 income. Welcome We Help, inc. (Horizons Project in Corydon, Iowa) and Wayne County Extension partnered to support a new site. Two community volunteers worked during the tax filing season to complete returns. Joyce Lash, Resource Management Field Specialist provided technical assistance and ensured the IRS guidelines were met by the program. Extension staff provided secretarial support by scheduling appointments and answering questions. Funding for the program was provided by a grant from ISED.

Impact:
115 returns were completed resulting in $49,723 in earned income tax refunds, $83,725 in federal income tax refunds, and $8,687 in state income tax refunds for community residents. Volunteers also completed 44 returns for individuals who normally would not need to file in order for them to receive the Economic Stimulus Payment. Electronic submission of the returns resulted in clients receiving their refunds within 7-10 days of completion, helping them to eliminate the costs involved with RAL loans. Welcome We Help, inc. will have a new location for the site in the 2008 filing season. Their volunteers will be scheduling appointments and arranging for satellite work days in other locations in Wayne County.

Additional ISUE Staff:
Pat Swartzlander, CEED Wayne County, 641-872-1755, pswartz@iastate.edu
Tiffany Carpenter, OA Wayne County, 641-872-1755, carpente@iastate.edu
Debbie Ewing, CYC Wayne County, 641-872-1755

Additional Team Members/Community Partners:
Pastor Greg Colegrove, 641-872-2820
Kylie Graham, 641-873-4732
Welcome We Help, Inc. Members, 641-872-3500

Contact:
Joyce Lash
Ringgold County Extension
101 North Polk
Mount Ayr, IA 50854
641-646-3333
lash@iastate.edu