Month: July 2020

HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today is reminding Connecticut residents that the deadline to file 2019 income taxes – a requirement for most people to become eligible to receive federal economic impact payments resulting from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic – is July 15, 2020. Households with a total income at or below $56,000 can continue to receive free tax preparation support through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. The service is administered by the Connecticut Association for Human Services, with financial support from the philanthropic organization 4-CT and the United Way of Connecticut.

 

Residents can access VITA services online at www.211ct.org/taxhelp or by calling 2-1-1.

 

“The federal government has made filing your taxes a key component of gaining access to refunds and credits that can be a critical support to families during this pandemic,” Governor Lamont said. “We’re doing everything we can to remind Connecticut families about the resources available to them through great programs like VITA, and we encourage those who need support to take advantage of this opportunity.”

 

“The VITA program provides hardworking individuals and families with free, reliable assistance in filing their state and federal tax returns,” Richard Porth, CEO of United Way of Connecticut, said. “In 2019, thousands of VITA volunteers prepared millions of tax returns nationwide resulting in more than $1.8 billion returning to local communities. These dollars are spent to cover child expenses, pay bills, as well as to save for the future. Connecticut United Ways, in partnership with our VITA coalition and other nonprofit partners, are committed to connecting eligible households with this vital service.”

 

“While the COVID-19 outbreak has brought unique challenges, Connecticut taxpayers have been conscientious – more than 86 percent have already filed their state income tax returns compared to this point last year,” Acting Revenue Services Commissioner John Biello said. “The Department of Revenue Services encourages taxpayers to reach out to the agency directly with their state tax questions. We also appreciate the work of partners like VITA, 2-1-1, and AARP, who bring access to tax preparation services to communities throughout the state, and look forward to continued collaboration.”

 

In addition to receiving a federal coronavirus economic impact payment, filing taxes is also an important step toward receiving valuable refunds and tax credits, such as the earned income tax credit and child tax credit.

 

According to data released in late June from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, approximately 12 million eligible people across the United States have not yet received economic impact payments, leaving unclaimed roughly $12 billion in funding authorized by Congress to mitigate hardships caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

Eligible taxpayers who filed tax returns for either 2019 or 2018 have already automatically received an economic impact payment of up to $1,200 for individuals or $2,400 for married couples, and up to $500 for each qualifying child.

 

Anyone who earns more than $56,000 can receive tax filing support through United Way’s partnership with H&R Block by visiting www.MyFreeTaxes.com

 

This press release was made possible by:

 

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Partnership Helps Support the Red Cross Home Fire Campaign

The Connecticut Apartment Association, based in Glastonbury, Connecticut, has partnered with the American Red Cross for the third year in a row. As part of the partnership, this year, the Connecticut Apartment Association has contributed in support of the Red Cross Home Fire Campaign and is entering their third year as a Ready 365 Bronze level supporter.

“We are grateful to the Connecticut Apartment Association for their continued support of the Red Cross and for their commitment to support the Home Fire Campaign,” said Brandon Ponder, Chief Development Officer, American Red Cross Connecticut and Rhode Island Region. “The Connecticut Apartment Association’s partnership helps the Red Cross prepare communities for the largest disaster threat, home fires.”

Every day seven people are killed and another 36 people suffer injuries because of home fires. And annually, the American Red Cross responds to nearly 62,000 disasters – the vast majority of which are home fires. Here in Connecticut, the Red Cross responds to about two home fires each day across the state. Having working smoke alarms cuts the risk of dying in a home fire in half. To save lives, the Red Cross started their Home Fire Campaign in 2014 and to date the campaign has saved more than 760 lives nationwide. The Connecticut Apartment Association’s contribution to the Home Fire Campaign helps the Red Cross install free smoke alarms and provide important preparedness information to families. Emergencies don’t stop and the COVID-19 pandemic has not stopped Connecticut families from experiencing home fires or the Red Cross response to these disasters.

“Helping to alleviate suffering due to home fires and displacement really resonates with our organization.  Sometimes it is our own apartment communities and residents that are affected by fire, and the American Red Cross is always there to assist,” said Kelly Dematteo, President-Elect of CTAA.  “We value our relationship as a Ready 365 partner, and are looking to grow our involvement as well.  We are partnering with ARC to host a blood drive July 21 in Rocky Hill. This will be the first of what we hope to be many more events with the Red Cross.”

The financial contributions of corporate citizens, like The Connecticut Apartment Association, enable the Red Cross to make a tremendous difference every day for those who rely on our services in disasters, like home fires and other emergencies.

 

 

This press release was made possible by: