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to the Economic Stimulus Payment Program. There has been a surge of those who usually do <br />not have to file in order for them to receive the payment. The tax season has been extended to <br />October 15 to make sure that all who qualify are aware and receive this benefit. <br />Training: RSVP coordinates tax law and computer training using IRS training materials. <br />Preparation: Taxes are prepared on computers using software provided by the IRS and <br />transmitted electronically through the RSVP office. <br />Ongoing assistance: The program continues year-round to assist those needing to file prior <br />year returns and amendments. <br />Target population: low- to middle- income ($50,000 or less) <br />• Exceptions are made for the elderly and those with higher incomes based on the number <br />of dependents. <br />• IRS offered VITA services as a benefit for the employees of the local VITA sponsors- <br />employees of Orange County Government and the towns of Chapel Hill and Carrboro (no <br />income limitations, only restricted by level of difficulty). <br />• Limited number of clients limited by transportation or mobility including the homebound <br />and employees of Orange Enterprises <br />Tax Sites: <br />• RSVP operates 4 permanent sites in Orange County <br />• Partners with Chatham County Council on Aging and the IRS to assist with 2 permanent <br />sites in Chatham County <br />• Orange Enterprises and the homebound upon request <br />Equipment: Taxes are prepared using computers, not paper. RSVP-VITA has been able to re- <br />use computers donated by individuals, businesses and county government. IRS loans some <br />laptop computers. <br />• Laptops used at some sites but mainly desktop computers, which are 10 years old. <br />.1 <br />• <br />• The IRS has a limited number of laptops to loan. Used where storage is a problem <br />(Chatham and UNC Hospital sites). IRS laptops also used for short-term needs. 20 <br />desktop computers are used for 3 of 6 permanent sites (Carrboro, Chapel Hill and <br />Hillsborough). Each site uses 5-6 desktop computers and share 2-3 printers. Many <br />RSVP senior volunteers are most comfortable with or restricted to using desktop <br />computers due to physical limitations. <br />• Orange County RSVP VITA began electronic return preparation over 15 years ago <br />when it was offered through the IRS. <br />• Training: laptop and LCD projector <br />• Other equipment: switch boxes, external floppy drives, replacement monitors, <br />keyboards, mice, power strips <br />If the grant is received, it is proposed that the funding be utilized to replace seventeen 10 year- <br />old computers used for tax preparation and to cover operational expenses. <br />FINANCIAL IMPACT: No additional County funds are required. No additional staff is needed <br />to administer the grant. Funding for the VITA seasonal non-permanent position and the value <br />of volunteer tax preparation time will be used to meet the required local match. <br />RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board authorize the Orange <br />County RSVP to submit an application and required assurances for VITA funding to purchase <br />equipment and for program operational expenses. • <br />