Central Berkshire Habitat for Humanity offers Free Tax Assistance

Print Story | Email Story
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — For more than a dozen years, Central Berkshire Habitat for Humanity (CBHFH) has provided free income tax preparation to qualifying households through the IRS-supported Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program.
 
Services are available to households earning $69,000 or less, as well as individuals with disabilities and older adults.
 
All VITA volunteers complete extensive training and are IRS-certified. According to CBHFH CEO Carolyn Valli, the program's success is rooted in both volunteer commitment and community trust.
 
"Most of our volunteers return year after year to support this essential service for underserved residents of Berkshire County," said Valli. "More than 85 percent of our clients are returning clients, and much of the remaining 15 percent are new clients from South County whom we've recently been able to reach."
 
VITA services will begin Monday, January 26, with both drop-off options and scheduled appointments available to assist residents with their tax paperwork.
 
"Thanks to our dedicated volunteers, we're fully prepared to support our clients throughout tax season," said Lynne Newton, CBHFH Community Navigator and VITA Program Coordinator. "We're here to help in whatever way best meets their needs."
 
CBHFH also offers language support, including Spanish interpretation by appointment, to ensure residents feel comfortable navigating IRS requirements.
 
"Tax time can be stressful," Newton added. "Having documents explained in your native language can make a meaningful difference and help ease anxiety."
 
Service Locations & Hours
 
Pittsfield –Appointments available at 314 Columbus Avenue and Federal Credit Union Community Space, 75
Kellogg St.
  • Mondays through Wednesdays: 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
  • Thursday: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
South County – Mason Library 231 Main Street, Great Barrington
  • Tuesdays & Thursdays: 2:00 p.m. – 5:45 p.m.
  • Wednesdays: 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
MCLA - VITA tax preparation is also available by appointment only.
 
To schedule an appointment, call 413.442.3184.
 
For more information or to make an appointment at any location, residents can call 413.442.3184 or visit www.berkshirehabitat.org/VITA.
 
 
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Dalton Finance Talks Audit

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
DALTON, Mass. — The Finance Committee is reviewing its audit options following recent turnover in the town's financial department. 
 
During its meeting on Wednesday, Chair William Drosehn told the board that the town's bylaw permits the Finance Committee to call for an audit and witnesses if irregularities are discovered.
 
"We're not looking for anything nefarious," he said. Rather, he said, the goal is to confirm that the town's fiscal policies and procedures are up to date and that the town is in good financial shape.
 
Dalton has a new town manager, a relatively new collector/treasurer, and will have a new town accountant so it may be helpful to have an audit to confirm its operations are up to date, Drosehn said. 
 
The cost of a comprehensive audit could range between $25,000 to $50,000 depending on the scope of work. This year, the town needs to be audited by a certified public accountant, which it is required to do every other year.
 
Before spending funds to have a comprehensive audit, it may be advantageous for the board to first look at what is done during the state required audit, said Sandra Albano, who came back from retirement until a new accountant is hired.
 
The auditors are there for three weeks, they are not just there to put together a document, she said. 
 
View Full Story

More Pittsfield Stories