Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Niagara, Niagara County Financial Literacy Coalition announce openings at free tax prep sites

Stress availability in Lockport

In 2013, Consumer Credit Counseling Service (CCCS) launched the Niagara County Financial Literacy Coalition (NCFLC) in to provide free opportunities for financial education and awareness. It is designed to help low-income Niagara County residents, with access to volunteer income tax assistance a central focus.

Residents can file their taxes for free, and special attention will be paid to ensure the earned income tax credit is received.

CCCS encouraged Niagara County residents to take advantage of these free services. There are currently appointments available, specifically in Lockport, with several openings right now. Call 716-712-2060 to reserve a spot.

Individuals can get their federal and state taxes filed for free at these two Niagara County locations:

• Christ Community Church 140 Genesee St., Lockport
• Family and Children Services Center 1522 Main St., Niagara Falls

Household income must be at or below $54,000. Appointments are available on Tuesdays in Lockport and on Wednesdays in Niagara Falls through April.

CCCS and the coalition will encourage filers to attend free one-on-one financial coaching sessions to help set a budget and spend their returns wisely. The Niagara County community is also urged to participate in other services provided by the coalition, including financial literacy classes "Dollars & Sense," "Credit Counts" and "Money in Motion."

As another option to file 2015 taxes, individuals can go directly to the Consumer Credit Counseling website and file online. To file, click on "myfreetaxes" on the CCCS website, www.consumercreditbuffalo.org. Software is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Online help is also available, at specific times. See the website for more information. "Myfreetaxes" is a facilitated self-assistance filing service sponsored by the IRS.

The coalition is a collaborative effort among many community partners. The following agencies participate in the NCFLC:

•United Way of Greater Niagara

•Family & Children's Service of Niagara

•Niagara County Department of Social Services

•The American Red Cross

•Literacy New York Buffalo-Niagara

•NiaCap (Niagara Community Action Program)

•YWCA of Niagara

•YMCA of Lockport

•Niagara Falls Housing Authority

•Lockport Housing Authority

•Rivershore Inc.

•City of Niagara Falls Department of Community Development

•Niagara Worksource One

•Niagara University

•Niagara County Community College Single Moms Program

•New York State Tax Department

•Heart, Love and Soul

•Highland Community Revitalization Services

•Niagara Falls School District

•The Dale Association

•Orleans/Niagara BOCES

•Lockport Main Street Inc.

•Bank of America

•First Niagara Bank

•Wellness Connection Center

For more information on the Coalition and CCCS - or to get involved - contact Noelle Carter at 716-771-3255 or [email protected].