Author: Noelle Carter

Taxes

FREE Tax Prep

FREE Tax Prep at Two Niagara County Locations; Call Now to Book Appointment
Don’t Get Ripped Off! For Profit Tax Prep Sites Take Advantage of Low Income Families
There are Over 40 For Profit Sites in Niagara County
Did you know that the City of Niagara Falls has 23 for profit tax prep companies—and that Lockport has 18?  And that they charge on average $500 for a tax refund? Every tax season, for profit tax preparation companies take advantage of low income individuals.
Knowing this, several years ago, Consumer Credit Counseling Service (CCCS) formed the Niagara County Financial Literacy Coalition (now known as the Niagara County Financial Empowerment Coalition) to economically empower low income Niagara County residents—and free tax preparation is a central service provided. Our main goal was to provide these services in Niagara County as no other group helped the low income population increase their financial capability. Free Tax Prep Programs in Niagara Falls and Lockport are held every year.
We kick off our 2020 VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) Program/Free Tax Prep Program on January 28thbut encourage you to call now to set up an appointment! Our appointments book up very fast.
And here are some more reasons why Free Tax Prep is so important:
  • The average fee charged for a tax return is approximately $350. For those individuals who earn minimum wage, that can represent nearly 5 days of work. This does not include the cost for the “rapid refund” which is usually about $200. Low income filers can easily pay nearly $500. Our goal is to keep that money in the pockets of low income Niagara County residents—and keep them away from the for profit sites which prey on the financially unstable population.
  • To increase their business, for profit tax companies cluster in low income neighborhoods. Current statistics show that nearly 70% of low income families use a commercial tax preparer. This is why our program—and our locations—is vital for our communities.
We have two Niagara County locations:
Orleans/Niagara BOCES: 50 Main Street, Lockport
Tuesdays 3:30 – 7:30 pm
Pinnacle Community Services (Formerly known as Family and Children Services) 1522 Main Street, Niagara Falls
Wednesdays 3:30 – 7:30 pm
Appointments for this service can be scheduled by calling 712-2060. Household income must be approximately $56,000 or less. Appointments are available on Tuesdays in Lockport and on Wednesdays in Niagara Falls from January 28th through April 8, 2020.
Debt

Helping America Realize a Debt Free Future!

If you are struggling with debt, make sure your first call is to CCCS, your Money Mentors!

Non-profit credit counseling agencies provide financial education and non-biased advice on debt repayment options. Additionally, CCCS can review a Debt Management Plan for those who it may be appropriate for – reduction in interest rates and a structured payment plan allows individuals to become debt free in 5 years or less.

Contact CCCS to start your journey to a debt free future-now able to help those in Florida, Georgia, Massachusetts, South Dakota too! 800-926-9685

Parachute Services

Know the Difference!

And we keep growing! Now able to help residents in Louisiana, Washington and Hawaii 🌴 become debt free! Call 1-800-926-9685 or visit us at consumercreditbuffalo.org.

Know the difference between Debt Management and Debt Settlement, and take advantage of the financial education and non-biased advice of a non-profit such as CCCS/Money Mentors. Our appointments are not consultations or a sales pitch, it is a true analysis of your unique financial situation and an honest review of what the pros and cons are to your various options to become debt free.
🤩Louisiana
🤩Washington
🤩Hawaii
✔️New York
✔️D.C.
✔️Oklahoma
✔️West Virginia
✔️North Carolina
✔️Arkansas
✔️Wyoming
✔️Alaska

Student Loans

Student Loan Counseling

With average student loan debt per graduate a staggering $39,400, student loans continue to create problems for individuals, families and the economy at large.
“Student loans are in crisis with two in five borrowers likely to default within five years,” states a study published in January 2018 by the Brookings Institute.

Student Loan debt has become such a major issue that there is now a TV game show based entirely on the payment of student loan debt – TruTV’s Paid Off With Michael Torpey.

Consumer Credit Counseling Service wants Western New York residents to know that although they cannot solve the student loan debt problem, they have a program that can help. It’s our region’s only program.
CCCS began its program in 2012, in response to the need for education and assistance with student loans. In the past six years, we have helped 765 achieve a level of financial freedom previously unknown. 
In our program, Nationally Certified Student Loan counselors work with a broad cross section of the community to:
•                    Evaluate student loan debt (current or in default)
•                    Explore options for student loans including deferments, forbearances, alternative repayment plans, and consolidation loans and forgiveness options
•                    Assist in applying for the appropriate option
•                    Assist in communicating with the lender, as needed
•                    Review credit score, credit report and living expenses
•                    Set appropriate financial goals
The financial counseling services we provide help student loan borrowers chart a course for financial stability.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call 716-712-2060 or 1-800-926-9685.
Taxes

Be Savvy – Avoid IRS Scams

 

Be wary of ANY calls you receive from the IRS. Do not give in to fear tactics, the IRS will never call you to request payment or threaten lawsuits or arrests.
 
Tips:

  • Don’t share any of your information –  Call the IRS directly at 1-800-428-1040

  • Never send money, gift cards or any other type of payment!

  • Report these criminals –  You can do so through the FTC’s website at ftc.gov/complaint. The more reports received, the more likely they can be caught and stopped!

  • Share with your family and friends –  Don’t let those who you know and love get taken advantage of!

Check out this example of a scam call (made to a police officer!)

https://youtu.be/XykKl6Afo6s