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April 2011Vol 2, Issue 4
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TOGETHER
We can make a difference
Message From
VITA Program Manager
 

Yesterday was the deadline to file federal and state income taxes. At MCUCD, we've been waiting for this day since tax season began. Today provides our 53 volunteers and 22 participating credit unions with a sense of accomplishment and relief! This tax season has been our busiest yet.

 

I am constantly amazed by the dedication both our credit unions and volunteers have to their communities. Signing up to participate in the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program is not a walk in the park. VITA volunteers must learn how to prepare federal and MT individual income tax law accurately AND pass a test. Afterwards, they volunteer to sit down with folks (mostly complete strangers) from their communities and complete their tax returns. Credit Unions open their doors to their community and non-members. At times credit union staff is bombarded with difficult and unusual tax questions. And, volunteers and staff alike all take this in the name of filing taxes. Amazing! I applaud our VITA volunteers and credit unions in making a difference to taxpayers all over the state! 


 Rachael

In This Issue
Making a Difference
Rural Montana Magazine
April Consumer Topic
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Making A Difference
 

Treat people as if they were what they ought to be, and help them become what they are capable of being.    - Goethe

The quote above seems to exemplify how Myra Kuykendall lives her life. For the past 2 years Myra, an employee at Helena Community Credit Union (HCCU), has volunteered at the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) site here in Helena.

Myra Kuykendall and her noteFellow HCCU employee Rebekah Larson said that Myra is "not only helping our community by preparing free taxes, she is also recruiting these tax members to join the Credit Union and experience all the great services we provide!!"

One of the people Myra helped this tax season sent her a thank you note that sums up the service that VITA volunteers offer so many Montanans. It reads, "I know doing 'taxes' is no big deal to you, but trust me, it's a huge deal to me because I just don't get it. I hate tax time -- So I greatly appreciate your knowledge and for squeezing us in. Thanks!"

Myra's passion to help people didn't stop there. She took the time to testify in support of the state Earned Income Tax Credit bill this legislative session. As a VITA volunteer, she sees first-hand how the federal EITC helps hard-working Montana families. And, as a single mother working full time while also working on her accounting degree, Myra knows first-hand how the EITC provides much-needed resources when a family needs it most. 

Rural Montana Magazine

cover of rural montana magazine (it's got a cute bear!).

 

Our MCUCD team had the opportunity to work with the Montana Electric Cooperatives' Association on the April 2011 issue of their magazine Rural Montana. The center spread titled 'Your Finances: Getting Through the Tough Timesprovides readers with some basic steps to help manage their personal finances.

 

If you don't already receive the publication and are interested, consider a subscription. 

Consumer Topic of the Month
 
CRC GraphicNational Financial Literacy Month

 

April is National Financial Literacy Month. Financial education is much more reliable than luck when it comes to economic well-being.  From tackling bad credit and rebuilding it, to making a budget and finding ways to make it more effective, to understanding consumer rights and responsibilities - financial education can help.  And, with a little help from the internet, a world of financial literature is only a few mouse clicks away.

 

Visit the Consumer Topic of the Month for more information and resources to protect consumers.