Glens Falls National Bank and Trust Co. has earned national Bank On certification for its new checking product, Smart Steps.
The bank is one of just 166 in the country to earn this distinction from the Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund (CFE) to serve the unbanked and underbanked.
The CFE works directly with national and regional financial institutions to encourage the widespread availability of safe, low-cost, transactional products within their community. The Bank On certification provides account standards and a review process that ensures everyone has access to an affordable bank account.
Smart Steps is a checking account designed to help individuals who don’t have easy access to affordable banking services and have a goal of achieving economic independence and security. The account will be available throughout the bank’s service area in early 2022.
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The Tri County United Way is offering free tax classes to potential volunteers joining the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program.
With the stimulus payments and recent changes to the Earned Income Credit, Child Tax Credit, and Dependent Care credit more local residents may be looking for assistance completing their tax returns during the 2022 filing season.
Volunteers become IRS certified tax preparers upon successful completion of this training. They then work one or two days/evenings a week in the local communities assisting families and individuals free of charge with completing and e-filing their personal tax returns.
The local VITA team prepares tax returns throughout Washington, Warren and Northern Saratoga counties during the tax filing season of January through April. Other volunteers are needed to answer phones, make the tax appointments, and serve as greeters at the tax sites.
To learn more and/or register for these free tax classes contact Joan at 518-746-2560 or via email at tcuwvita@gmail.com or visit the website at www.tricountyunitedway.org.
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