Central Berkshire Habitat Offers Free Tax Assistance
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Central Berkshire Habitat for Humanity (CBHFH) is once again offering free income tax preparation services for households earning $67,000 or less, as well as for individuals with disabilities and elderly residents, through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program.
The program, staffed by IRS-certified volunteers, has been a longstanding resource in Berkshire County. According to CBHFH CEO Carolyn Valli, more than 85 percent of clients return annually for assistance, with the program expanding to serve new clients in South County last year.
Tax assistance will be available at multiple locations. Habitat's Pittsfield office at 314 Columbus Avenue will offer services Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., Friday mornings from 8:30 a.m. to noon, and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. South County residents can access assistance at the Mason Library in Great Barrington, where VITA services will be available Tuesday through Friday from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., starting February 4. Additionally, tax prep will be offered by appointment at MCLA.
Lynne Newton, CBHFH Community Navigator and VITA coordinator, emphasized the program's readiness to assist clients, including offering multilingual support for French and Spanish speakers. “Tax time can be stressful, and having documents and instructions in your native language can help ease that anxiety,” she said.
Residents can make appointments by calling 413-442-3184 or visiting www.berkshirehabitat.org/VITA.
