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

Submitted

Mon, Feb 20th 2017 12:25 pm

Availability in Lockport

In 2013, Consumer Credit Counseling Service (CCCS) launched the Niagara County Financial Literacy Coalition (NCFLC) 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.

Residents can file their taxes for free, and special attention will be paid to ensure the Earned Income Tax Credit is received.

CCCS encourages Niagara County residents to take advantage of these free services. There are currently appointments available, specifically in Lockport. Those interested can call 716-712-2060 to reserve a spot.

Individuals can get their federal and state taxes filed for free at Christ Community Church, 140 Genesee St., Lockport; and Family and Children Services Center, 1522 Main St., Niagara Falls.

Appointments for this service can be scheduled by calling 716-712-2060. 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 NCFLC 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.

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
  • 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 & 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

Additional Tax Information

As another option to file 2016 taxes, individuals who earned under $64,000 can go directly to the following link, www.unitedway.org/myfreetaxes, to electronically file both their federal and state taxes on their own, for free. 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.

For more information on tax preparation, the coalition or CCCS - or to get involved - contact Noelle Carter at 716-771-3255 or [email protected].

CCCS is a nonprofit, full-service credit-counseling agency providing confidential financial guidance, financial education, counseling and credit repayment assistance to consumers. Visit www.consumercreditbuffalo.org for more information.

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