EQUITY e-newsletter: Winter 2006

Tax Time: People with Disabilities Filing, Earning, and Saving

State Tax Law Considerations for People With Disabilities

Steven Mendelsohn, University of Iowa, College of Law-Law, Health Policy & Disability Center State taxes can easily be forgotten. However, tax expert Steven Mendelsohn provides valuable information on how people with disabilities can take advantage of State tax law; as well as areas where individuals and tax preparers need to pay close attention.

3rd Annual IDA Program Survey

There is still time to fill out the 2005 IDA Program Survey. If you are currently operating an IDA Program and have not filled out the survey, please do so now. The directory of IDA Programs, provided by CFED, represents the most comprehensive list of existing programs and is crucial to future of the asset building field.

Beyond Free Tax Preparation: Coalition Seeks to Connect Asset Building Opportunities, Financial Literacy & Credit Counseling Services

Tobey Davies, Southern New Hampshire University, illustrates how organizations in New Hampshire have built an inclusive coalition designed to integrate services enhancing economic self-sufficiency.

Preparing for the Future

As a woman with a disability, Cheri Freeman recognizes how hard it is to make ends meet. To help, she is volunteering her time and expertise as a tax preparer at the free Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) site at the Independent Living Resource Center in Wichita, KS.

Tax Terms

If you are like us, just the words used on tax forms are intimidating. There are also some important differences that apply to families and people with disabilities. Here are explanations of a few commonly used tax terms.

EQUITY Responds: Answers to common questions received from either the Asset Building Community or the Disability Community

I'm a person with a disability and last year was the first time I ever filed taxes. Since I don't make much money, I was hoping to get a refund. Unfortunately, I ended up owing nearly $500 because they said I had "underwithheld" - this was on top of the $200 I paid to have my taxes filed. What is "withholding" and how can I avoid this in the future? Also, is there anywhere I can go to get free help to file my taxes this year?