Trachtenberg Office Attends Down County Latino Network Meeting

Wil Gutierrez from the office of Councilmember Trachtenberg attended the Down County Latino Network meeting yesterday at the Mid-County Regional Center in Wheaton.

The three topics of discussion were:

• Info Montgomery (http://www.infomontgomery.org/): A website that provides detailed information about health, educational and human service resources throughout Montgomery County.
• VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance): FREE Income Tax Preparation Assistance for low-Income (Annual income under $49,000), elderly, disabled and limited-English speaking people. For a list of VITA centers throughout Montgomery County, click here (Note: You must have Adobe Reader to view this page. To download this free reader, click here.)
• Census 2010: Households in Montgomery County will receive census questionnaires beginning March 15, 2010. The 2010 census form is one of the shortest forms in history, and asks for name, gender, age, race, ethnicity, relationship, and whether you own or rent your home. There are 10 questions, which will take about 10 minutes to complete. Individual responses are used for statistical purposes only and all responses remain confidential. By law, the Census Bureau cannot share this information with anyone. Census data determines how more than $400 billion is allocated each year to local and state governments. The money is used for schools, roads, hospitals, senior centers and other social services in the community.
  
  The U.S. Census Bureau opened a new office in December in Rockville, which employs approximately 1,000 people in various positions, to support all field operations in Montgomery County. The Census Bureau is now recruiting for census taker positions, who will visit households that did not return a questionnaire. Interested applicants should call 240-780-3930 or go to www.montgomerycountymd.gov/census.

County Provides Free Income Tax Assistance to Eligible Residents Through VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) Program

Montgomery County residents with income under $49,000 per year may be eligible for free income tax preparation assistance through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. Sponsored by the County’s Community Action Agency, part of the Department of Health and Human Services, the VITA program is a volunteer-supported service helping eligible residents who cannot afford professional tax preparation assistance.

Services are provided by trained, Internal Revenue Service (IRS) certified VITA volunteers and staff through a partnership between the IRS, the City of Gaithersburg’s Bank On initiative, Family Services Agency, the City of Rockville and the Community Action Agency.

For appointments, call the following:

Gaithersburg  

Monday evenings 5 to 9 p.m.
301-258-6395 -- press option “6”
*limited Saturday appointments at this site

TESS Center, Silver Spring

Tuesday evenings 5 to 9 p.m.
301-565-7675

Rockville

Wednesday evenings 5 to 9 p.m.
240-314-8310

Silver Spring

Thursday evenings 5 to 9 p.m.
301-565-7451
*limited Saturday appointments at this site. 

Residents will be asked to bring:

· A government issued identification card such as driver’s license, passport, age of majority card
· Social security card or individual tax identification notice (ITIN) for each family member
· All W-2 forms, 1098 forms, 1099 forms and other documents related to earned income
· Statement of annual child care expenses prepared by provider, including provider tax identification number
· Copy of prior year tax return

The Internal Revenue Service has granted a special exception to the Community Action Agency to assist seniors, individuals with a disability and homeless individuals. If language interpretation services or special aids and services are needed, residents are asked to alert the scheduler when making an appointment.

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Media Contact: Mary Anderson, 240-777-6534
Program Contact: Sharon Strauss, 301-565-7460