THE COMMUNITY VOICE A Quarterly Newsletter by Community Services Employment Training
March 2021
Dear Community Partners, CSET continues to participate in countywide taskforces with community partners to address the support needs of individuals and families impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Our services include rental and energy assistance, employment services, and family relief efforts. We have adapted and streamlined our application process so individuals can apply online or visit our office with an appointment. We have also brought on more staff to assure we can meet the growing needs in our community. This month’s newsletter highlights our VITA program, Employment Services, Family relief efforts, and one of our Conservation Corps’ Urban Greening projects. All of these programs are possible because of committed volunteers, dedicated staff, project partners, and funders who recognize that anything is possible when working together. On behalf of CSET’s board, thank you to our volunteers, partners, funders, and our incredible staff for all of your hard work and dedication during the pandemic. Sincerely, Mary Alice Escarsega-Fechner, CSET Executive Director
FREE DROP OFF TAX PREPARATION SERVICES IN TULARE COUNTY Tulare County residents with less than $54,000 in annual household income may file their 2020 federal and state tax returns at no cost with CSET’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. A certified tax preparer will inform filers of eligible tax credits that help reduce their tax bill or increase their tax refund, like the California Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC) and the Young Child Tax Credit (YCTC). For the first time, Californians who file their tax returns with an Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN) - including undocumented families - are eligible for the CalEITC and the YCTC. An appointment is not required. Customers may download the intake form and checklist of required documents online at www.cset.org/vita or stop by one of our five VITA sites to pick up a tax packet.
Photo: Valeria Alvarado (left) distributing VITA tax packets to CSET customers at the Visalia Main Office.
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