It's back: Free VITA tax service resumes at Sun Valley

It is a program that has returned millions of dollars to thousands of low income families in Metro Louisville and this Thursday, January 31^th the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program will return to the Sun Valley Community Center.
 
“For five years now, VITA has been a free and valuable service to many area families,” says Councilwoman Cindi Fowler (D-14). “As we begin this sixth year, the goal is to help as many people maximize their returns, including the Earned Income Tax Credit.”
            
The purpose of the V.I.T.A. program is to offer free tax preparation to persons making $50,000 or less. Over the years, volunteers have been able to find deductions to help families receive better tax returns when filing their federal income taxes, returning much needed money back into the area.
            
 The V.I.T.A. operation at the Sun Valley Community Center will begin on Thursday. The Community Center will offer the assistance Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturday until April 13^th, 2013. 

The Hours of operations are as follows:
Tuesdays 9:30am to 4:00pm
Wednesdays 9:30am to 7:00pm
Thursdays 9:30am to 7:00pm
Saturdays 10:30am to 1:30pm

Participants need to make sure they bring all pertinent tax information as well as a Social Security card and photo ID.

The Louisville Asset Building Coalition has offered VITA at the Sun Valley Community Center since 2008. Every year the number of volunteers and those taking advantage of the service continues to grow.
    
“Many families are still struggling as the economy continues to slowly improve. Everyone can use some extra help from time to time and in this case it’s free,” says Fowler.
           
The Sun Valley Community Center is located at 6505 Bethany Lane.
            
For more information about the V.I.T.A. programs, contact Councilwoman Fowler’s office at 574-1114 or call 292-6230.

SW Louisville well represented on council committees

The Louisville Metro Council's committee assignments for 2013 are now complete, and Southwest Louisville is well represented. Of 18 regular and ad-hoc committees, eight are chaired or co-chaired by a representative from the southwest.

Newly elected Councilwoman Cindi Fowler (D-14) has been appointed co-chair of the Community Affairs committee and landed spots on the Public Works, Bridges and Transportation Committee and the Committee on Sustainability.

David Yates (D-25) is now chairperson of the Intergovernmental Affairs Committee and co-chair of Public Safety. Yates also will serve on the Planning/Zoning committee.

Vicki Welch (D-13) is chairperson of the Committee on Health, Education and Housing.

Of the 11 members of the Budget Committee, four are from the south or southwest area.

To see the complete listing of committees and members, click HERE.