Volunteer effort lands $2.6M for region in tax funds

The OD reported that efforts to promote the availability of the federal Earned Income Tax refund generated more than $2.6 million for the Mohawk Valley.

The Resource Center for Independent Living partnered with the United Way of the Valley & Greater Utica Area in the area.

“This is an outstanding accomplishment for RCIL’s Mohawk Valley Asset-Building Coalition program and this entire community,” said Phil Hayne, executive director of the United Way.

“We believe that it is important to focus on strategies to help families become more financially stable, build assets and strengthen their families.”

Research shows that each year, at least $7 million goes unclaimed in Earned Income Tax dollars.. This year, the effort brought in about $2.67 million, most in the form of tax refunds and the rest in the form of waived tax preparation fees.More than 100 volunteers committed more than 2,000 hours to support the effort, which reached 1,444 individuals and families.