Press
First Community Federal Credit Union Offers Free Income Tax Assistance
For Immediate Release
February 2, 2012
Ariel Bilskey, Regional Marketing Administrator
800-776-7159 x5120
arielbilskey@1stcomm.org
www.1stcomm.org
PARCHMENT, MI — With many Michigan residents struggling to make ends meet, a little extra cash can make a big difference. That’s why credit unions have once again joined forces to promote Just file it! We’ll Help. Free State and Federal Tax Preparation Resources Provided by Credit Unions, a web-based program that allows families and individuals to file for state and federal tax credits that might otherwise be overlooked.
More than 100 Michigan credit unions, including First Community Federal Credit Union, are promoting Just file it! to their membership. The Just file it! program returned over $13.8 million to individuals and families last year. “The need for a program like Just File It is greater than ever,” said President/CEO Cheryl DeBoer. “First Community Federal Credit Union is proud to join the network of credit unions and other nonprofits offering Just file it! to help families put food on the table, move into better housing, invest in education or save for the future.”
All that is required to use the Just file it! program is a computer, Internet access and a printer. The program uses a free, online software program, posing questions to users and offering assistance via online chats. It is offered in English, Spanish and Vietnamese. More information and a link to Just file it! can be found at www.1stcomm.org.
The technology backbone of the program was developed by the Legal Aid Society of Orange County, California. The Michigan Credit Union League & Affiliates a statewide credit union trade association underwrote the cost of developing the state income tax software in conjunction with the Legal Aid Society of Orange County, California, and the Michigan Poverty Law Center.
The Michigan Poverty Law Center is a joint project of Legal Services of South Central Michigan (LSSCM) and the University of Michigan Law School (UMLS). MPLP is funded in part by the Michigan State Bar Foundation (MSBF).
First Community Federal Credit Union currently serves over 78,500 members, with assets of $650 Million and operates with sixteen (16) regional branch offices within Michigan, Illinois and Wisconsin. For more information, visit www.1stcomm.org.