Monson Savings to Offer Free Tax Preparation Through VITA

MONSON — The Ware branch of Monson Savings Bank is participating in the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, which offers free tax preparation for those who qualify for this service.

Monson Savings Bank volunteers will help people prepare their federal and Massachusetts state taxes starting every Tuesday from 4 to 7 p.m. and Thursday from 3 to 6 p.m. Those interested must call (413) 263-6500 to find out if they qualify and to make an appointment. The program is sponsored and funded by Springfield Partners for Community Action and United Way of Pioneer Valley.

“We are very pleased to help with this important program,” said Steve Lowell, president of Monson Savings Bank. “We see this as an extension of everything else that we’re doing to promote financial literacy as part of our Dollars & Sense activities.”

Added Paul Bailey, executive director of Springfield Partners, “we at Springfield Partners are pleased to have the opportunity to partner with Monson Savings to provide this important service to the Ware community.”

Although the VITA program traditionally completes more than 5,000 free tax returns annually, said Sylvia deHaas Phillips, senior vice president, Community Impact at United Way of Pioneer Valley, “we realize there are many more people who could benefit from this important service, and we are pleased to expand our partnerships to make this happen.”