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TOGETHER
We can make a difference |
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| Message From Executive Director |
Thank goodness, spring is in full swing and summer is almost here. The flowers are blooming, graduations are taking place everywhere, summer vacation plans are in the works, and I can almost hear the collective sigh of relief from all of us involved in VITA that tax season is behind us.
It was a successful tax season, reaching more people in more communities across Montana than ever before. Our Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program is growing...and if you haven't already done so we'd love to have you join us! Consider volunteering at a local VITA site, or help get the word out about all the free tax filing services available at www.MontanaFreeFile.org. Just contact any one of us here at MCUCD and we can get you involved in your community. None of it is possible without volunteers - two of our volunteers, Linda Satterly and Sheri Baker, are highlighted in this e-newsletter.
From Ekalaka to Eureka, from Scobey to Dillon, and everywhere in between, we are helping credit unions build programs in their communities to help improve the social and economic well-being of Montanans. I'm so glad you are partnering with us - because together, we can make a difference!
Jeanne |
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| Making A Difference |
Filing income taxes is often difficult, but it is even more challenging when a family member must do so for a loved one who passed away. MCUCD's VITA program helps Montanans with this challenge every year.
 This year a specific story from the Butte Aldersgate tax site left a lasting impression on all involved.
Towards the end of tax season Greeter Linda Satterly met a woman, "Marie", who had just lost her son in December of 2009. Marie was working through her son's affairs and she needed to file her son's taxes. Linda suggested Marie come to Aldersgate tax site for help.
The next Thursday, Linda brought Marie to volunteer tax preparer Sherri Baker. Sherri was glad to do the emotional return and reported that, although Marie was very sad, she was very thankful for the service. Marie even got a refund that helped her pay for some of her expenses. This and many other stories demonstrate the meaningful service delivered by MCUCD programs through caring and compassionate volunteers and credit unions. |
| Consumer Topic of the Month |
 Purchase Your Next Vehicle on Your Terms
Purchasing a vehicle is among the most important consumer decisions most of us will make. To attain everything we need and want in a vehicle at an affordable price is challenging, but with a little preparation, it is possible. The MCUCD website has information to help you purchase the vehicle you want at a price you can afford.
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| Tax Season a Success for MCUCD VITA Sites |
In its fifth year participating in the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, MCUCD helped establish and maintain 24 VITA sites throughout the state of Montana. With 16 credit unions participating, over 2400 federal tax returns were completed which led to over $2.4 million in federal refunds returning to Montanan communities.
Last day of tax season! Butte VITA Volunteer Sheri Baker with a prospective volunteer.  | VITA sites are a partnership of MCUCD, the IRS, the local credit union, as well as the most important component, local volunteers. This year 52 volunteers helped in the effort to provide free tax assistance to people with low to moderate income.
VITA sites are primarily designed to help people gain access to the Earned Income Tax Credit, and thus only people with basic income tax returns and who make less that $49,000 qualify for the
free service. This year nearly $760,000 of EITC was returned to Montanans through MCUCD VITA sites. |
| Teamwork | |
(Back L-R): Karen Smith, Robert Coble, Gabe Nelson, Craig Smith, Abby Wolf (Front L-R): Jeanne Saarinen, Haley Nelson, Rachel Brown, Jim Auer  | The MCUCD team worked hard during the Montana Credit Union Network's Annual Convention, raising $11,323 for MCUCD programs during the three day state-wide convention in April. Every dollar raised will be used to help as many people as possible through MCUCD's empowering programs. |
| Facebook Fanatics Take Note... |
Montana Credit Unions for Community Development is now on Facebook! Here are a few things you can expect from our Facebook page:
- A new consumer tip every week to keep you informed about the various financial topics
- Links to informative, helpful, and fun online resources.
- Photos of credit union staff and volunteers in action throughout Montana.
- The opportunity to interact with the MCUCD team and their fans - post comments, questions, links, and join discussions.
Visit our Facebook page to view photos and stay connected. Be sure to become a fan and show your support of MCUCD! Find us on Facebook or follow the link on www.montanacreditunions.coop.
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