Small CU tries again for VITA program
PORTERVILLE, Calif. (12/5/06)--The leader of a small California credit union is trying once again to launch a volunteer income tax assistance (VITA) program in the town of Porterville.
Raul Pickett, CEO of $7.1 million asset El Futuro CU, is working to gain support from the local business and government community (The Porterville Recorder Dec. 2).
Last year, he figured he needed $10,000 for the start-up program, which helps low-income families and individuals file taxes and receive their Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC).
Without funding, volunteers or equipment, he was unable to get the VITA program up and running last year.
Pickett noted that a program in nearby Visalia recovered $1.5 million in EITC funds during its Saturday-only operations.
This year, he is looking beyond the city's borders for assistance, asking for help from Wells Fargo, the National Credit Union Administration and the Federal Reserve.
Credit unions across the country act as sites for VITA programs and help consumers avoid high-cost refund-anticipation loans.
More CU/System
News Now LiveWire
- Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad credited Dupaco Community CU for its role in helping an Iowa small business grow and create jobs. - 4 hours ago
- Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad visits Dupaco Community CU, notes CU's role in helping small bizzes grow & creating jobs in state. - 6 hours ago
- Gunman killed Friday in shootout w/ police outside PBC CU, West Palm Beach, Fla., I.D.'d as Christopher Brown, 18. No one hurt inside CU. - 6 hours ago
- In Wash Post article on ?end of Fannie and Freddie,? CUNA?s Hampel says CUNA, CUs are working on contingency plans. http://t.co/bzmi57mY - 6 hours ago
- John Bell, an employee of NC Community FCU, has announced his candidacy for the NC House of Representatives. - 3 days ago
- See all our Tweets and sign up; News Now LiveWire on Twitter
