[dmg_masonry_gallery...
Just In Time For The Holidays 2025
read more
Tax Workshop Helps Youth Navigate Online Filing
Volunteers mobilize to reduce errors and maximize returns
Filing taxes can be confusing and overwhelming even for well-seasoned adults. What documents do I need? How can I get the most out of my return? Which online platform is better/most affordable/most trustworthy?
Just in Time’s Annual Tax Filing Workshop takes uncertainty out of the equation. This year, nearly 40 youth flooded the JIT office for help filing their taxes with MyFreeTaxes.com. For transportation-challenged youth, we offered an online workshop with live coach assistance.
In preparation for the workshop, youth were given a list of essential documents to bring, including childcare forms and foster youth dependency letters to help them access the Foster Youth Tax Credit worth $1,154.
Weeks before the workshop, volunteers who facilitated the session were given an in-depth course on how to navigate the online platform, as well as information on tax credits that youth are eligible for, things like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), Foster Youth Tax Credit (FYTC), and the Young Child Tax Credit.
According to state data, approximately 30,000 youth ages 18–25 who were in foster care had qualifying income for the FYTC on their returns last year, but only about 1 in 6 actually claimed it.
With the help of volunteers, youth who attended the workshop were able, not just to decipher their eligible credits, but to avoid harmful mistakes.
For example, JIT alumni Sam Gunn kept getting an error while trying to complete the tax form. When the platform showed her refund in the negatives, she was able to quickly ask for help from a volunteer, who was able to identify the errors and ensure a positive return for the youth.
In honor of Volunteer Appreciation Month, we’re excited to highlight all of the incredible and thoughtful work facilitated by volunteers in our community. We could not provide the resources we do without their dedication, knowledge and skill.
Thank You to the nine Just in Time Volunteers who gave their time and talent to helping youth file their taxes this year!
Lisa Anthony
Christine Jorgensen
Brooklyn Lopez (Alumni)
Reed Vickie
Kurt Noyes
Sean Handy
Mitchell Simkovsky
Michelle Norman
Alexander Sanchez (United Way)
Thank you, Just in Time Volunteers!
