Free Tax Preparation, and more

March 14, 2025



 

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Dear Neighbor,

Happy Friday!

This St. Patrick's Day weekend, Connecticut's Department of Transportation reminds residents to celebrate responsibly and never drive impaired.

St. Patrick's Day is one of the deadliest days on our nation's roads, and the DOT has several safety tips to enjoy this holiday responsibly:

  • Designate a sober driver before going out, or plan to use a ride-sharing service, taxi, or public transportation to get home safely.
  • Prepare in advance by installing ride-sharing apps on your phone and saving local taxi numbers. Visit CTtransit.com for bus schedules or CTrail.com for train services across the state.
  • Be a responsible friend by taking the keys away from anyone who is impaired and helping them find a sober ride home.
  • See something, say something by calling 911 if you spot an impaired driver on the road.
Driving under the influence puts your life in danger along with passengers, other drivers, and pedestrians. Enjoy the holiday, and make the responsible decision this St. Patrick's Day.

In the rest of this week's eblast, you can read about free tax return preparation, upcoming public hearings, and more. You can click the links below to navigate between sections.
 
Next Week's Public Hearings

There are eight public hearings scheduled next week. Visit this website for information on how to testify on a bill at a public hearing.

If you're interested in testifying or watching a public hearing you can see the schedule for next week below:
 
CT Police Scam Alert

PSA: SCAM ALERT!


The Central District Major Crime (CDMC) Headquarters has received multiple reports from Connecticut residents about phone calls from unknown male callers claiming to be members of the Connecticut State Police (CSP) or the U.S. Marshal Services. The scammers, who speak with a thick accent, tell the victims they are under investigation for “money laundering” and request personal information over the phone. The calls appear to be coming from 860-706-5652, which is the CDMC main landline. However, these calls are NOT made by CDMC, and it's believed to be a scam attempt.


While these scam attempts are being investigated, we want to inform the public that these calls are NOT from the Connecticut State Police. Please note that Troopers and Law Enforcement Agencies will never ask for money or personal information over the phone.


If you receive a call that claims to be from the police or any other government agency, DO NOT provide any personal information. Hang up immediately and verify the call by contacting the organization directly using an official phone number. If the call seems suspicious, report it immediately by calling 911.
 
Free Tax Return Preparation

Tax season is upon us. There are several free resources available this year for anyone who needs to file state and federal taxes.

You can use the IRS Direct File Tool, which is a new option for anyone who lived and earned all their income in Connecticut last year.

Click here for more information on IRS Direct File Tool.

The federal government is also offering the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, which offers free tax preparation services to eligible taxpayers. Here is some of the eligibility date for VITA:

  • Household income less than $68,000
  • If self-employed, business expenses should be less than $35,000
  • No income from a rental property
 
Fair Haven's Legislative Town Hall

A reminder that on Saturday, March 15 at 2pm at the Fair Haven Library (182 Grand Ave, New Haven), Senate President Pro Tempore Martin Looney and I will host a Fair Haven legislative town hall. We will update you on our work at the Capitol, tell you our legislative priorities, and hear about the issues that matter most to you! I hope to see you there!
 
New Haven's Legislative Update

I hope you'll also join me and State Senator Gary Winfield for a legislative update Saturday, March 29 at 2:30pm at the Wilson Library (303 Washington Ave., New Haven)!
 

Sincerely,

Juan Candelaria
State Representative

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