EAST STROUDSBURG, PA — The Rotary Foundation of the Greater Poconos (RFGP) continues its FREE Rotary-GP VITA/TCE tax return prep/tax counseling services for residents of Monroe & Pike County, PA via its Rotary-GP VITA/TCE program, delivered in partnership with the Rotary Club of the Greater Poconos and local volunteers.

Now in its second year of operation, the Rotary-GP VITA/TCE program is operated by RFGP without receiving financial assistance for program operations, facility costs, or staffing. 

As an IRS Community Partner, the Rotary-GP VITA/TCE program provides

(1) FREE tax return preparation services for veterans, seniors, disabled residents and low-to-moderate-income families with annual incomes of up to $69,000, and

(2) FREE tax counseling and tax return preparation services for elderly taxpayers regardless of income, using trained and IRS-certified volunteers.

During the prior income tax filing season, Rotary-GP VITA/TCE volunteers prepared hundreds of tax returns and PA-1000 Property Tax/Rent Rebate applications that generated over $375,000 in refunds and benefits for seniors, disabled residents and working families. These funds helped residents pay heating/utility bills, purchase food and medications, catch up on past-due household expenses, and improve financial stability for their families.

The Rotary-GP VITA/TCE program provides services at community-based sites in Monroe and Pike County, PA, and is supported in part by generous community sponsors—including an anonymous donor, the Mitchell Group and a $2,500 sponsorship commitment from Heritage Financial Credit Union.

Looking ahead, RFGP expects its community services programs to expand and improve thanks to a Local Share Account (LSA) grant secured with the help of PA State Sen. Rosemary Brown. These funds will help RFGP acquire severely needed equipment to support the growing demand for FREE tax prep services for low and moderate-income taxpayers and FREE tax counseling for the elderly services in the greater Poconos.

Community members who wish to support RFGP’s FREE tax preparation and other charitable community service programs may donate online at www.Rotary-GP.org or mail a check payable to Rotary Foundation of the Greater Poconos, 696 Seven Bridge Road, 2nd Floor, East Stroudsburg, PA 18301.

Businesses interested in becoming sponsors of a site or the Rotary-GP VITA/TCE program may request a sponsorship package by emailing President@Rotary-GP-org.

Taxpayers seeking more information about the Rotary-GP VITA/TCE program may call (570) 851-1292.