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Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) is available now at sites throughout Atlantic County.
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Make tax time a budget booster
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Tax time is here, and it's time to make it work for you.
For individuals and families struggling to make ends meet, tax time can be complicated, expensive - and in some cases, burdensome. In fact, the IRS estimates that 20 percent of eligible individuals miss out on valuable tax credits each year, simply because they are unaware that they qualify or do not file their taxes.
That's why United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey in Atlantic County makes it easy for eligible individuals to get the help they need through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, a locally-run IRS-supported tax preparation service free to families and individuals with a household income of less than $51,000 per year.
Through VITA, trained volunteers assist individuals with tax preparation to help ensure that they obtain the full refund available and educate families about vital tax credits for which they may qualify, such as the Child Tax Credit, Credit for the Elderly or the Disabled, or even the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) - a refundable credit that, if applied, can amount to as much as $5,891 per qualifying family.
Tax sites throughout the region are open now, and appointments are required in advance. For your local site, to schedule a visit, or details on eligibility, visit www.UnitedForImpact.org/VITA
Eligible individuals can also file their state and federal taxes for free through United Way's My Free Taxes initiative. This step-by-step online tool walks tax filers through the process, ensuring that they obtain the full refund available. Learn more and determine your eligibility by visiting www.MyFreeTaxes.com/phillysjunited
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Long Term Recovery Group Update
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Atlantic County Long Term Recovery Group urges affected residents to apply to FEMA
 The Atlantic County Long Term Recovery Group, a coordinated response to long-term recovery among local, regional and national organizations following Superstorm Sandy, is urging local residents to apply for disaster assistance through FEMA before the April 1st deadline.
"In order to be able to explore all options for rebuilding and recovery, the application for assistance must be filed, and this includes applying for low cost loans through SBA," said Atlantic County Long Term Recovery Group chairman Henry Wise. "Many residents have not followed through on the process and once the deadline passes, there will not be an opportunity to go back and complete the paperwork. It's important to know a loan is available in the future as many residents are waiting on insurance or other funding sources."
Affected residents must first register with FEMA by calling 800-621-FEMA or visit www.disasterassistance.gov
FEMA will then determine eligibility and refer residents to services related to rental assistance, essential home repairs, personal property or other disaster-related needs not covered by insurance.
Residents can apply for a loan from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) whether renting or owning a home, business, or small agricultural cooperative located in a declared disaster area. Once approved, residents will have up to 6 months to accept or decline the loan. Application to the SBA will not affect ongoing insurance claims or application to other funding sources.
The SBA has set an April 1st deadline for application. For more information or to begin the application, residents should call (800) 659-2955. TTY is available by calling (800) 877-8339. To apply online for an SBA loan, visit https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela .
Other Important Service related information:
* Current service information - including clean-up coordination- is available by dialing 2-1-1, NJ's non-emergency helpline .
* Atlantic County Long Term Recovery Group is working with Catholic Charities to provide one-on-one assistance for those most affected by Superstorm Sandy. The Case Management Hotline Number is (856) 342-4145.
* For emotional support and counseling services call the Hope and Healing hotline at 877-294-HELP
* Those seeking information and/or assistance with shelter should contact American Red Cross at superstormsandynj@redcross.org
About Atlantic County Long-Term Recovery Group
Atlantic County Long-Term Recovery Group was assembled to provide coordinated management of the long-term recovery process; increase efficiencies by avoiding duplication of efforts and provide additional long-term assistance for residents with limited resources. The group is comprised of more than 30 local, regional and national non-profit, government and faith-based organizations and businesses including American Red Cross, The Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services, Mental Health Association, United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey, Habitat for Humanity, Family Service Association and others who are experienced in all aspects of disaster relief and recovery and health and human service. A full listing of participating agencies can be found online at facebook.com/VOAD. For additional information on services or programs that may be available, residents are encouraged to call NJ's non-emergency helpline 2-1-1 or visit www.nj211.org
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Save the Date
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22 March
ACCEL's Date Auction at Tango's in Tropicana Casino & Resort, starts at 8 pm
30 April
Campaign Awards Celebration at Bally's Atlantic City, starting at 5:30 pm
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ACCEL Plans Date Auction for Charity
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Looking for love in all the wrong places? Well clear your calendar, because United Way's young leaders group ACCEL has a date for you - it's March 22.
The 3rd Annual Date Auction for Charity is planned for Friday, March 22 at Tango's Lounge inside Tropicana Casino & Resort starting at 8 pm. Up for bid are some of Atlantic County's most eligible single professionals.
The evening kicks off at 8 pm with appetizers and an open bar of beer and wine and bidding begins at 9 pm. Admission is $20 and includes entry into Boogie Nights for that evening. Proceeds benefit United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey in Atlantic County. This event is open to the public. For details, contact Amanda McGowan at 609-404-4483 ext 19.
Special thanks to our partners at Tropicana Casino & Resort for hosting this event.
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Women's Leadership Initiative Annual Reception
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United Way Women's Leadership Initiative hosted a membership reception on February 4 at The Palm Restaurant in Atlantic City to celebrate the group's 7th anniversary. WLI Chair Helen Walsh and charter member Evelynn Caterson welcomed more than 60 women leaders, and offered a detailed look into early literacy rates and how the programs of Success By 6 are making a positive impact in the lives of children throughout Atlantic County. Those interested in learning more are encouraged to contact Amanda McGowan at 609-404-4483 ext 19.
Special thanks to the Palm Restaurant for hosting this annual event.
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Campaign Update
| The campaign is currently at 71% of goal or $1,498,000.
Recent highlights include:
- Bally's and Harrah's Resort kicked off their employee campaign after a delay caused by Superstorm Sandy. So far, Bally's has raised more than $1600 through special events alone, and Harrah's has surpassed $50,000 in employee giving
- NJ Manufacturers Insurance increased their corporate gift 150% this year
- Wells Fargo is up 54% with more than $16,000 raised
- PNC is tracking an increase in giving of 5%
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