Frequently Asked Questions
What is Community Accounting Services (CAS)?
We are nonprofit organization 501(c)(3) created in 1974 to provide free accounting and financial services to low-income residents and small nonprofit organizations in Connecticut. Our volunteers are certified public accountants (CPAs) throughout the state, and the organization is coordinated by an executive director.
Can I request help over the phone?
Anyone requesting assistance must fill out the request form on our website.
What happens after I request help on the website?
You will be contacted by our executive director, who will find a volunteer to answer your questions or assist with your accounting needs.
How long will it take before I hear from a volunteer?
All of our volunteers are CPAs who volunteer their time depending on their schedules, so the response time is different for each request for assistance. However, the majority of our volunteers are able to assist or answer questions over the phone.
What is VITA and how is the program connected to Community Accounting Services (CAS)?
VITA stands for Volunteer Income Tax Assistance. The operation of VITA sites is funded by the IRS. The program offers free tax help to people who make $54,000 or less, persons with disabilities and limited English speaking taxpayers. IRS-certified volunteers provide free basic income tax return preparation with electronic filing to these qualified individuals.
Can I come to your office to have my taxes prepared?
We don't prepare taxes in our office; CAS oversees seven VITA sites in Hartford, Tolland, and Windham counties. Each year, from January through April 18, CPAs from CAS train and work with IRS-certified volunteers from Eastern Connecticut State University, University of Hartford, and others to provide free quality tax preparation for eligible clients.
Is there a fee for your services?
No, our services are available free of charge thanks to monetary and time donations from our generous volunteers.
Can anyone request your services?
In order to be eligible for CAS assistance, we have established guidelines based on income. Please note, however, that our staff is allowed to make exceptions for those in need.
What if I have a request for accounting services that isn’t listed on your website?
Please contact our executive director at 860-258-0218.
We are nonprofit organization 501(c)(3) created in 1974 to provide free accounting and financial services to low-income residents and small nonprofit organizations in Connecticut. Our volunteers are certified public accountants (CPAs) throughout the state, and the organization is coordinated by an executive director.
Can I request help over the phone?
Anyone requesting assistance must fill out the request form on our website.
What happens after I request help on the website?
You will be contacted by our executive director, who will find a volunteer to answer your questions or assist with your accounting needs.
How long will it take before I hear from a volunteer?
All of our volunteers are CPAs who volunteer their time depending on their schedules, so the response time is different for each request for assistance. However, the majority of our volunteers are able to assist or answer questions over the phone.
What is VITA and how is the program connected to Community Accounting Services (CAS)?
VITA stands for Volunteer Income Tax Assistance. The operation of VITA sites is funded by the IRS. The program offers free tax help to people who make $54,000 or less, persons with disabilities and limited English speaking taxpayers. IRS-certified volunteers provide free basic income tax return preparation with electronic filing to these qualified individuals.
Can I come to your office to have my taxes prepared?
We don't prepare taxes in our office; CAS oversees seven VITA sites in Hartford, Tolland, and Windham counties. Each year, from January through April 18, CPAs from CAS train and work with IRS-certified volunteers from Eastern Connecticut State University, University of Hartford, and others to provide free quality tax preparation for eligible clients.
Is there a fee for your services?
No, our services are available free of charge thanks to monetary and time donations from our generous volunteers.
Can anyone request your services?
In order to be eligible for CAS assistance, we have established guidelines based on income. Please note, however, that our staff is allowed to make exceptions for those in need.
What if I have a request for accounting services that isn’t listed on your website?
Please contact our executive director at 860-258-0218.