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Tuesday, February 4, 2025 --Tracey Magaraci Winston-Salem Mayor Allen Joines addresses attendees at ESR's EITC Awareness Day event. On Friday, January 31, more than 55 people—including several notable community figures from Winston-Salem—gathered with Experiment in Self-Reliance (ESR) to celebrate Annual EITC Awareness Day. ESR hosted a lunchtime event featuring Winston-Salem Mayor Allen Joines. Cathy Drabble from United Way and members of Leadership Winston-Salem also attended. During the event, Mayor Joines read the 2025 City of Winston-Salem Proclamation, officially recognizing EITC Awareness Day. Marsha Smith, Chair of ESR’s Board of Directors, and Executive Director Fred Bazemore participated in the proclamation reading. Mayor Joiness with ESR Executive Director, Fred Bazemore Mayor Joiness with ESR Board Chair, Marsha Smith, and ESR Executive Director, Fred Bazemore Shirley Abdullah, the VITA Program director, highlighted one of the event’s unique aspects: attendees witnessed the VITA program in action, as several taxpayers had their returns prepared on-site. Members of the Leadership Winston-Salem Action Team were also present. This initiative is developing a system to recruit, onboard, and retain volunteers, which will be invaluable to the VITA Program because the volume of returns ESR’s VITA program can process directly depends on the volunteer workforce. The celebration informs the community about the importance of the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) for low-income families and promotes ESR’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program—also known as Forsyth Free Tax. Many of those who are eligible to have their tax returns prepared at a VITA site are also eligible for the EITC. The EITC is a refundable tax credit that eligible low-income taxpayers can receive as part of their refund, even if they owe no taxes. As the IRS website explains, “Tax credits are amounts you subtract from your bottom-line tax due when you file your tax return. Most tax credits can reduce your tax only until it reaches $0. Refundable credits go beyond that to give you any remaining credit as a refund. That's why it's best to file taxes even if you don't have to. Many people who qualify for refundable credits miss out on refunds because they don't file.” ESR’s VITA program prepares free tax returns for low-to-moderate income taxpayers. The volunteer tax preparers are IRS-trained and certified each year to be sure they have the most recent tax knowledge. Although most returns processed at VITA sites are straightforward, the program also handles additional filings—such as prior year and amended returns—after the April 15 tax season conclusion. In addition to saving money by not going to a professional tax agency, taxpayers who utilize a VITA site can connect with other services in the community if they have the need and interest. This year, ESR’s VITA services are available at two sites: a walk-in location at ESR and an appointment-based service at the central library.

GET IT, AND GET IT RIGHT WITH FREE TAX HELP AT A VITA SITE! Winston-Salem, North Carolina — Workers may get a larger tax refund this year because of the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). But to get it, you must file a tax return and claim it. Friday, January 31, 2025, is EITC Awareness Day, a nationwide effort to increase awareness about EITC and free tax preparation sites. This year, the IRS is promoting EITC and providing information on other refundable tax credits that you may be eligible for. EITC, or Earned Income Tax Credit, is a refundable credit. This means that if you qualify for the credit, you can get the amount you qualify for whether you are required to file or not, even if you're not expecting a refund. This is in addition to any other refund you may be due. However, you will not just automatically receive a check -- you will have to file a tax return. Last year, approximately 803,000 North Carolina taxpayers received about $2.25 billion in EITC or an average of $2,800 in EITC per taxpayer. You might qualify for EITC if you worked last year and had a joint income of less than $66,819. EITC can mean up to a $7,830 refund when you file a return if you have qualifying children. Workers without a qualifying child could be eligible for a smaller credit up to $632. Why is it important to have an EITC Awareness Day each year? One-third of the EITC population changes each year. The IRS estimates that only four out of five workers claim the EITC they earned. This leaves billions of dollars on the table each year. We want to get the word out to those who are eligible to file a tax return even if they don’t owe any tax to claim the EITC. It’s money workers can use for groceries, rent, utilities, and other bills. EITC is complex. It varies by income, family size, and your filing status. To be eligible, you must have earned income or certain disability income. This means you must have income from working for someone or working for yourself. Volunteers – trained by the Internal Revenue Service – ask you the needed questions to find out if you qualify for the EITC and other refundable tax credits. Volunteers at Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites , also prepare and e-file (electronically file) your tax return at no cost to you. "Our community volunteers help you get EITC and the maximum refund you’re due. Our goal is to help you get it and get it right. This is money you can save or use to pay off bills, buy that car to get to work or make a down payment on a home. Let us help make your life a little easier, “said Shirley Abdullah, VITA Program Director at Experiment In Self-Reliance, about ESR's VITA site. Visit our free tax preparation sites at: Experiment In Self-Reliance, 3480 Dominion Street, Winston-Salem NC Monday - Thursday, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM Fridays 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM Walk-In ONLY! No appointments Forsyth County Public Library, 660 West Fifth Street, Winston-Salem NC Saturdays, 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM By Appointment Only! No Walk-ins OR: Find a volunteer free tax return preparation site at IRS.gov Locator Tools Call 211 or 311 to find a volunteer free tax return preparation site   Bring the following to make sure our volunteers get you the right amount of credit you deserve: A valid driver's license or other photo ID card Social security cards, a social security number verification letter for all persons listed on the return Birth dates for all persons listed on the return All income statements: Forms W-2 and 1099, Social Security, unemployment, and other statements, such as pensions, stocks, or interest, and any documents showing taxes withheld All records of expenses, such as tuition, mortgage interest, or real estate taxes Copies of last year's state and federal tax returns, if available Bank routing numbers and account numbers to direct deposit any refund Dependent childcare information: name and address of who you paid and either the caretaker's SSN or other tax identification number If you purchased coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace , Form 1095-A PDF , Health Insurance Marketplace Statement Both spouses to sign forms to e-file a joint tax return

Meet ESR's dedicated staff team, leadership, and board members! Meet our Executive Director and Board Chair Fred Bazemore Executive Director Frederick D. Bazemore is the Executive Director at Experiment in Self-Reliance (ESR). Prior to his promotion to this position in May 2024, Bazemore had served in leadership roles at ESR for over 20 years, being the agency’s Director of Programs and Operations from 2011 to 2023, and the Self-Sufficiency Program Director from 2003 to 2011. A native to Tarboro, North Carolina and a graduate of Winston-Salem State University, Bazemore earned a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Public Administration. Prior to joining ESR, Fred spent his early career years as a former Senior Regional Portfolio Property Manager, Senior Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Director and Housing Finance Director. His greatest strengths are i ntegrity, consistency, experience and having a great knowledge about the clients we serve that allows the agency to continue to build trust and solid relationships through honesty and consistency. The new Executive Director extends his commitment to non-profit work beyond his employment through his community activism, serving on many boards and committees that focus on issues around employment, housing, transportation, financial literacy, economic development, and education for the low-income residents of Forsyth County and North Carolina. Fred is a former member of the Piedmont Triad Workforce Development Board and currently serves on the North Carolina Community Action Association (NCCAA) Board of Directors, the “CARES” Project Board of Directors, and serves as the Western District Chairman for the NCCAA. When not advocating for the low-income in the community, you can find Fred the “Avid Golfer,” as many know him, on the golf course, participating as an active member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. and a member of St. Peter’s World Outreach Center. Aimee Smith Board Chair Aimee Smith was born and raised in Albemarle, North Carolina. She attended University of North Carolina at Greensboro where she studied Political Science and History. She graduated from Wake Forest University School of Law school in 2002. She has been with the firm of Craige Jenkins Liipfert & Walker LLP since 2002 and is a partner in the firm. She practices in the areas of elder law and estate planning. In addition to serving as the Board Chair for Experiment in Self-Reliance, she currently serves on the Salemtowne Board of Directors and serves as Secretary for the Shepherd’s Center board. She previously served on the board of Financial Pathways of the Piedmont. Aimee believes that the mission of Experiment in Self-Reliance is more important now than it has ever been as more people find themselves living in poverty and unable to afford housing. Experiment in Self-Reliance provides a valuable service to the community by helping lift community members out of poverty and helping them work toward home ownership. As Experiment in Self-Reliance celebrates its 60th Anniversary, Aimee’s primary goal for the agency during her term as chair is to pay off the remaining mortgage on the agency’s building so that ESR can have a bright, debt-free future.

Experiment in Self-Reliance (ESR) serves low-moderate income individuals who want to reach a level of self-reliance through financial education, asset building, and more. Experiment in Self-Reliance Empowering Strength & Resilience New Century IDA | Asset Building | Home Ownership | Small Business Forsyth Free Tax Free tax preparation each year for low-to-moderate income residents Self-Sufficiency One-on-one counseling to help meet your goals and reach economic self-reliance. Latest News and Stories Scan the QR Codes for ESR Food Drive On Saturday, April 26th, we're reaching out to D9 Organizations, Community Leaders, and the general public to help us replenish our Food Pantry here at ESR. If you would like to participate, please stop by between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM, and bring a non-perishable item to donate! Our wonderful friends at the Winston-Salem Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi in conjunction with the Kappa Foundation of Winston-Salem will be here with music, food, and games. EITC Awareness Day at ESR Tuesday, February 4, 2025 --Tracey Magaraci Winston-Salem Mayor Allen Joines addresses attendees at ESR's EITC Awareness Day event. On... Read More We believe in creating a judgment-free zone where everyone is treated with respect, dignity, and compassion. Our goal is to help everyone achieve their fullest potential. Our Commitment to Empowering Social and Economic Self-Reliance Upcoming Events and Workshops FOOD DRIVE Saturday, April 26, 2025 11 AM - 2 PM Help Experiment In Self-Reliance restock their food pantry! Winston-Salem Alumni Chapter - Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., in conjunction with the Kappa Foundation of Winston-Salem, is giving back to the community! Join us for games, food, and music for a great cause. 3480 Dominion Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27105 Learn More No events at the moment Join Us in Empowering Our Community Empower Social and Economic Self-Reliance Donate Now

ESR’s Forsyth Free Tax program provides free tax preparation to people with low-moderate income. Forsyth Free Tax Forsyth Free Tax Program ESR’s Forsyth Free Tax program provides free tax preparation to people with low-to-moderate income. If you make less than $67,000, you can have your taxes prepared for free through volunteer sites. Income tax returns are prepared by volunteers who are IRS-trained and certified every year and adhere to IRS standards of conduct. Tax returns are electronically filed and refunds (if expected) may be directly deposited to taxpayer bank accounts, ensuring a faster refund. Our tax preparation season has ended for the year, but that doesn't mean you can't get assistance if you need it! After May 15, we will begin taking clients by appointment only to file late returns, amended returns, and other special case tax situations. Please call to make an appointment, AFTER MAY 15. W e love our volunteers, and we accept interest forms year-round! If you'd like to give back to the community and volunteer at a VITA site next year, complete the form below. To have your taxes prepared, you will need to bring: Tax information (W2s, 1099s, receipts for childcare or education expenses, interest statements, and other tax documents). Form 1095-A if healthcare coverage is through healthcare.gov. Last year’s return, if possible. Photo Identification. Social Security Cards or ITIN for yourself, your spouse, and your dependents (We cannot accept SSNs not appearing on official documentation). Bank Routing Number and Account Number(s) for direct deposit. CP01A Notice – IP pin (Identity Protection pin) Please complete this document prior to arriving to your first appointment, if at all possible For more information about filing your taxes, visit our Frequently Asked Questions page or give us a call at (336) 722-9400. For information on volunteer opportunities with the tax program, fill out the form below. Forsyth Free Tax Volunteer Interest Form First name Last name Email Phone I am interested in volunteering with Forsyth Free Tax Submit Thanks for submitting! Related Links irs.gov Publication 3676-A : IRS document on VITA tax preparation in English and Spanish