Holyoke Credit Union to offer free tax preparation services

Date: 12/26/2012

HOLYOKE – Holyoke Credit Union (HCU) is pleased to announce that for a second year in a row, it will offer free tax preparation services and free electronic filing for low and moderate income individuals in the greater Holyoke community.

Their effort is due to their participation in VITA, the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program.

This year, HCU will be partnering with the Holyoke Health Center on this initiative. Individuals will be able to access tax assistance through VITA at HCU branches, the Health Center, as well as at the Valley Opportunity Council in Holyoke and the Holyoke Senior Center.

With a year's experience of offering this program, HCU is again ready to enthusiastically provide help to income-eligible households for the tax year of 2012.

According to Mike Murphy, president and CEO of HCU, last year's program for the tax year of 2011 was both in demand and successful.

"We were gratified that we were able to help so many qualified individuals and families meet their income tax responsibilities," he said. "Even for the most familiar and tax-educated, tax preparation can be difficult and confusing. We were able to remove the stress of preparation and filing. Plus, many of those we helped received refunds, something that can certainly be put to use, especially for the community that we service."

The program begins on Feb. 4, 2013, and those interested should call HCU or any of the other participating institutions for an appointment. It is open to those with low and moderate income, as well as the disabled and elderly.

For more information, contact HCU at 532-7007.