About Us
Tax Help Montana is a coalition of community partners, led by Rural Dynamics Inc., working together to provide no-cost tax preparation and access to financial services. This will be the fifth year that Tax Help Montana has been linking youth, individuals, and families to asset building and income tax assistance.
In the 2007 tax season, the program had thirty- two tax preparation sites staffed by more than one hundred volunteers state-wide. Last year the Tax Help Montana volunteers helped complete over 5,100 federal and 4,800 state tax returns. In 2007 Tax Help Montana was able to bring over $5 million back to Montana citizens.
The VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) program offers free tax preparation to low-to-moderate income (annual income under $49,000) individuals and families who need help preparing their own tax returns. IRS certified volunteers sponsored by various organizations receive training to help prepare individual and small business tax returns. Volunteers help taxpayers claim valuable credits such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), the Child Tax Credit (CTC), and the Montana Homeowner/Renter Credit for the Elderly (2EC).
In addition to free tax return preparation assistance, all sites offer free electronic filing (e-filing). Individuals taking advantage of the e-file program receive their refunds in as few as 7 to 10 days utilizing direct deposit. Tax Help Montana not only provides tax assistance but also links individuals and families to resources that promote economic independence.