http://www.deaftax.com/CheckRss.aspxA simple RSS document generated using XMLTextWriterCopyright © 2009 DeafTax.comRSSviaXmlTextWriter v1.0http://www.deaftax.com/blog.aspxWelcome to DeafTax.com website III! Redesigns and process changes have been implemented as an improvement over last year's website. Many users had a difficult time with FLASH format website for various reasons such as having different browsers or OS. Using feedback and discussions as our starting point, we did the following: - Developed website format for handheld devices - Inputted Tax Consultation feature - Started VITA pilot - volunteer assistance for low income - Added social networking - Facebook and LinkedIn - Added a Video FAQ page There's always opportunities to change how we do business and that comes from listening to you - the client! Shortly following the new website launch, there will be more information on the REI Tour/DeafTax.com VITA Pilot, which promises to be very exciting for all the coalition partners and businesses helping with this effort! Most of all, I'm looking forward to serving our Deaf community. Until next time friends and clients!Mon, 06 Sep 2010 03:17:36 GMThttp://www.deaftax.com/blog.aspxComing soon.... Announcements for REI Tour/DeafTax.com VITA Pilot updates! The tax preparer center at Rochester CASH is up and running. The Snap!VRS OJO is fully functional after a week of IT headaches! Special Thanks to Briane Doane, IT at Snap! and Fred Koenig at Rochester CASH!! Now the REI Tour/DeafTax.com VITA Pilot is in full swing. The hours available are: Monday - Thursday. 4p - 8p Friday 10a - 8p Saturday 9a - 5p Please see the Participating Cities page for your nearest location! Mon, 06 Sep 2010 03:17:36 GMThttp://www.deaftax.com/blog.aspxDeafTax.com Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Pilot concluded the Tax Season with free tax preparation services for 80 Deaf taxpayers, including 13 Deaf families. The first-year Pilot generated $111,343 in Federal refunds and $35,092 in state refunds for a total of $146,435 returned to Deaf taxpayers residing in 11 states. The innovative nature of this Pilot attracted the attention of the IRS SPEC and was highlighted during a 1 hour visit by IRS W & I Commissioner Byrd and IRS SPEC Director, Julie Garcia during their trip to Rochester, NY. Recognition by these executives has given instant credibility to this Pilot along with a RNEWS segment that aired a profile on television for Rochester area viewers. We are looking forward to expanding this program and continuing to break barriers by integrating the needs of the low-income, Deaf community in everyday life through the use of technology, innovative services and partnerships with the mainstream organizations that serve the low-income population. DEAFTAX.COM PR contact: Joshua R. Beal (585) 286-5245 info@deaftax.com Mon, 06 Sep 2010 03:17:36 GMThttp://www.deaftax.com/blog.aspxFor the first month of the Tax Season, our group of committed DeafTaxVITA volunteers, all who are deaf and VITA-Certified tax preparers, completed a total of 111 returns for deaf and low-income taxpayers who live in different cities around the U.S. As a result, these taxpayers saved an estimated $11,575 in tax preparation fees while obtaining $92,992 in Federal refunds and $20,946 in State refunds – a total of $113,938 in refunds. We are very pleased that the many organizations working with us are reaching out this part of the deaf community to empower them financially. However, we still need your help to tell more people about DeafTaxVITA. Please share with your deaf friends and colleagues about this accessible, tax preparation service that is FREE only for deaf taxpayers and their families who earn less than $49,000 a year. Thank you for your continued support and patronage of DeafTax.com! Mon, 06 Sep 2010 03:17:36 GMT