Iowa State University Extension

Problem:
Allamakee County knows all too well about lost jobs and tough times. At 10.6%, its unemployment rate is the highest for any county in Iowa. For the unemployed and low-income earners, coming up with the fee required by paid preparers to electronically file taxes is difficult or impossible.

Response:
The VITA Program (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) offers free tax help to low- to moderate-income (generally, $42,000 and below) people who cannot prepare their own tax returns. For the second year, ISU Extension Family Resource Management Field Specialists have trained volunteers to provide free preparation and e-filing through the Allamakee County Extension office. Grant dollars secured through ISED paid for equipment, advertising and materials needed to run a VITA site. The IRS provided the volunteer training materials and support. ISU Extension office in Waukon provided the facility and support staff needed to take appointments and educate the public about the VITA program. Besides providing free tax preparation assistance, volunteers also provided education to clients on topics concerning money management, including the Managing Tough Times materials, Spend Smart Eat Smart and PowerPay. Clients who are disabled or 65 and older who rent also received assistance with filing for Iowa's Rent Reimbursement program.

Impact:
The Waukon VITA site saw more than a 31% increase is the number of clients served. Collectively, the 80 Allamakee County residents received more than $88,500 in federal refunds and more than $2,000 in state refunds. Nearly $31,000 of the federal refund was made up of Earned Income Credit for low-income families. This is more than a 20% increase in federal refunds over last year and a nearly 23% increase in Earned Income Credit.

Additional ISUE Extension Staff:
Teresa Wiemerslage, County Extension Education Director, wiemer@iastate.edu, 563/568-6345
Julie Christensen, Office Assistant, juliechr@iastate.edu, 563/568-6345
Lana Dahlstrom, Office Assistant, dahlstro@iastate.edu, 563/568-6345

Additional Team Members or Community Partners:
Ron Snitker, 1018 Cardinal Rd, Waukon, IA 52172-7717, 563-535-7265

Contact:
Erin Ludwig
Winneshiek County Extension
911 S. Mill Street
Decorah, IA 52101
563-382-2949
eludwig@iastate.edu