June 22, 2020
In a press release issued today by Connecticut’s Governor, Ned Lamont, the governor praised the efforts of the Virtual VITA team and expressed his support of the program’s goal and mission.
“Many Connecticut families deeply affected by the COVID-19 crisis are unfortunately not receiving the financial support they are entitled to by the CARES stimulus, Pandemic Unemployment Assistance, or other government programs,” Governor Lamont said. “I applaud the work that VITA is doing to get our citizens the financial help they need and deserve, and our state is committed to supporting the efforts of this important organization to connect with and assist eligible Connecticut residents.”
The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program was established to provide free tax preparation and financial consulting for Connecticut’s low-income and Asset Limited Income Constrained Employed (ALICE) families, as well as those impacted by the COVID19 pandemic. Virtual VITA’s free tax prep service helps CT residents file tax returns, allowing them to receive tax credits and Federal Economic Impact (stimulus) checks, as well as filing for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) benefits, if eligible.
Connecticut residents who have not filed a 2019 tax return, or even a 2018 return, or who have become unemployed but have not yet filed for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance should contact Virtual VITA to learn if they are eligible and register for the organization’s free assistance program.
It is estimated that up to 140,000 people in Connecticut may be eligible for some type of cash benefit from the State or Federal government, but they must be in the Federal system in order to receive the benefits.
The deadline for filing tax returns has been extended from the traditional April 15 to July 15, 2020, so residents who have not yet taken advantage of these programs should act quickly to register. The deadline for applying for Federal CARES stimulus funds is October 15, 2020.
If you have any questions about our program, please contact us to learn more.