Free Tax Return Campaign Supports Vulnerable Families

More than 120 families, couples and individuals took advantage of free income tax preparation clinics from the Franklin Asset Building Coalition, an effort led by Casey Family Services’ New Hampshire Division. The clinics are part of the Annie E. Casey Foundation’s Family Economic Success initiative, which is aimed at families who qualify for the federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC).

This year’s campaign returned more than $100,000 in refunds through the EITC program, while more than $200,000 was refunded in total to vulnerable families. The TRIP Center and Family Resource Center in Franklin and the Jennie Blake School in Hill became temporary tax preparation sites for the campaign.

About half of the filers were EITC eligible. Other filers included youth who had worked at their first job and were able to complete their returns and get a refund for the first time. Those who qualified for the EITC were also eligible for the Smart CD, a certificate of deposit provided by Franklin Savings Bank, one of the Franklin Coalition partners. The CD offered a 2:1 match of the first $100 that savers set aside for either education or home ownership.

Tax returns were filed electronically, and many filers had their refunds deposited directly at their bank or credit union. Volunteers also reviewed a variety of financial resources available to filers interested in budgeting, improving their credit, and buying a house for the first time.

Numerous partners and volunteers contributed to the success of the campaign, including the IRS, TRIP Center, Franklin Rotary Club, Business and Professional Women of Franklin, Jennie Blake Elementary School, Franklin Savings Bank, AARP-TaxAide, Caring Community Network of the Twin Rivers, and others.