Curbelo Legislation to Permanently Authorize Cost-Free Tax Preparation Passes the House

Press Release

Today, the House of Representatives passed Representative Carlos Curbelo's (FL-26) "Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Permanence Act of 2017," which will permanently authorize free tax preparation services for taxpayers making less than $54,000 and for those with a limited proficiency in English.

The legislation was incorporated into a bipartisan package of bills that would redesign the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for the first time in over 20 years. Bipartisan colleagues, South Florida constituents, local advocates, and stakeholders have recently praised Curbelo's leadership to secure permanent authorization for this vital taxpayer service.

"Today's House passage of permanent authorization for the VITA program means we are one step closer to ensuring some of our most vulnerable taxpayers will always have an option for safe, accurate tax preparation and filing assistance," Curbelo said. "With approximately 60% of Miami-Dade County residents qualifying for the VITA program, and as South Florida's only Member on the House Ways and Means Committee, this legislation has been a top priority for me. At our Mobile Office Hours with VITA preparers across South Florida, we've seen first-hand how critical the VITA program is to helping taxpayers receive all they are entitled to. I'm grateful to my colleagues for their bipartisan support today, and I look forward to the Senate's passage so this bill can quickly become law."

"The VITA program is a prime example of smart federal investment because each federal dollar is matched by the private sector," lead Democratic co-sponsor Danny Davis said. "VITA grantees provide high-caliber, in-person services that make a REAL difference for individuals and families, putting more money in people's pockets to cover essential costs -- like rent, groceries, and medical care. I am proud that we are permanently recognizing this valuable program."

Source