Whatever the Need, We Have the Service

Budget and Credit Reduction Work Plans

JCVision offers help with budget development, money management and creating a credit reduction plan. A counselor works with you to assess your current financial situation, create a realistic budget to balance income with expenses, and establish achievable financial goals. Your personal action plan will also include a long term plan to pay off creditors and collection accounts. JCVision is not a Debt Management Plan (DMP) Service provider.

If you haven’t done so already, get your free credit report today from www.annualcreditreport.com. You may obtain your credit report for free once each year (twice a year for Georgia residents). There are fees associated with obtaining your credit score, but it is worth the expense. Your credit score helps you see how creditors assess your applications for credit and/or loans.

Your credit report directly impacts your ability to obtain a credit card, buy a car or home, rent an apartment, or even get a new job. Knowing how to read it, understanding how to increase your credit score, and correcting inaccurate information are in your best interest. JCVision's certified counselors can assist you in reading and understanding your credit report. You can obtain your report or we can provide you with your credit report with written authorization. Call our office for an appointment. Budget and Credit report counseling are available in-person or over the phone.

The Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of 2005 includes two provisions mandating financial counseling and education: Before filing for bankruptcy, consumers would be required to have a briefing on the alternatives to bankruptcy (pre-bankruptcy credit counseling); and before receiving a bankruptcy discharge a debtor would be required to complete “an instructional course concerning personal financial management.” (post bankruptcy debtor education) These provisions were included to provide debtors in bankruptcy with the skills and tools needed to avoid future financial problems.

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Pre Bankruptcy

A pre-bankruptcy session with JCVision and Associates, Inc. will take place before you file for bankruptcy (Chapter 7 or 13). During your pre-filing counseling session, a counselor will work one-on-one with you to develop a detailed personal financial assessment. Your counselor will review your income, expenses, assets, and liabilities. This in-depth process will provide you with a true and accurate picture of your financial situation. The personal financial assessment is just the first piece that is developed to help you determine the right solution for your financial situation.  Your counselor will work with you to develop a reasonable and manageable spending plan, a detailed action plan, and short and long-term financial goals.

The fee for counseling is $50. JCVision will waive the bankruptcy pre-filing counseling fee of $50 for consumers whose household income is equal to or less than 150 percent of the estimated poverty threshold for their applicable family size as published in the current Federal Poverty Levels Guidelines. If you believe you qualify for a waiver of the fee, you should request a fee waiver before the session begins.

The counseling will last 90-120 minutes, and take place in person or on the phone.  Services are available by appointment. Counseling services are available in English or Spanish upon request. Upon completion of the counseling session, you will be promptly issued a certificate of participation that allows you to proceed with the bankruptcy filing process. Timely certificate delivery is offered by email, fax, mail or in person.

Q: How much does the bankruptcy counseling session cost?
A:

The fee for counseling is $50. JCVision will waive the bankruptcy pre-filing counseling fee of $50 for consumers whose household income is equal to or less than 150 percent of the estimated poverty threshold for their applicable family size as published in the current Federal Poverty Levels Guidelines. If you believe you qualify for a waiver of the fee, you should request a fee waiver before the session begins.

Q: Does the bankruptcy counseling certificate expire?
A:

Bankruptcy regulations require consumers to receive counseling within 180 days of filing. If you choose to file more than six months past the date of your initial bankruptcy counseling session, you will need to schedule another appointment to talk with a bankruptcy counselor.

Q: If I have not filed taxes for several years, can JCVision help me file those taxes?
A:

Yes. Regardless of the number of years you have not filed, our Low Income Tax Clinic services are available to assist you in filing your prior year taxes.

Q: Do I need an attorney to file bankruptcy?
A:

Consumers filing for bankruptcy protection can file on their own; however, bankruptcy laws can be quite complicated. A trusted attorney may prove to be helpful. To find a bankruptcy attorney, consumers can ask someone they trust to recommend a good attorney or contact a Lawyer Referral Service sponsored by a State Bar Association. Filers should make sure that their lawyer specializes in bankruptcy. Potential attorneys should be asked specific questions about their qualifications and fee structure. Finally, consumers should schedule time to meet with the lawyer to determine if they are comfortable working with this person. Filing bankruptcy can be an emotional event so it is important for filers to have a good relationship with their attorney.

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Post Bankruptcy

A post-bankruptcy session with JCVision and Associates, Inc. will take place after you file for bankruptcy. During your debtor education, you will discuss developing a budget, managing money, using credit wisely, how to build a savings plan and other important personal financial management information. In addition, the instructor will share with you how to obtain and read credit reports, establish or re-establish credit, dispute errors, and protect yourself from identity theft. Each participant in the class will receive a workbook designed for use during and after the course.

The program is designed to be a comprehensive course that covers a variety of financial and budgeting topics. Participants should dedicate at least 3 hours for the debtor education class. The course can take place in person or on the phone. Services are available by appointment. Upon completion of the personal financial management instructional course, you will be promptly issued a certificate of participation that you can file with the Bankruptcy Court. Timely certificate delivery is offered by email, fax, mail or in person.

Q: How much does the post-bankruptcy debtor education session cost?
A:

The fee for debtor education course is $50 for a single filer, and for joint filers $50 for the first filer and $30 for the additional filer. JCVision will waive the fee for consumers whose household income is equal to or less than 150 percent of the estimated poverty threshold for their applicable family size as published in the current Federal Poverty Levels Guidelines. If you believe you qualify for a waiver of the fee, you should request a fee waiver before the session begins.

Q: Where can I find additional information about filing bankruptcy?
A:

Federal Trade Commission
U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Trustee

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Tax Problems - Low Income Tax Clinic Service

Introduction

If you are a low income taxpayer who cannot afford professional tax assistance during audits of your federal income tax return, you may qualify for help from JCVision and Associates, Inc.'s Low Income Taxpayer Clinic (LITC). JCVision has operated a LITC program since 2003. We provide our LITC services to low-income taxpayers residing throughout middle and southeast Georgia. 

Our clinic provides representation to low income households who have a federal tax dispute with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Federal tax disputes are controversy issues that may cause a taxpayer to owe the IRS. The debt may be caused by, but not limited to, EITC and/or child tax credit denials, audits, appeals, collections, tax liens, levy, etc. Also, if you have not filed your individual federal tax return for income earned during prior years, the IRS may consider you a non-filer, and you too may need assistance to resolve the controversy issue. JCVision's clinic can help you file those returns and resolve the controversy issue.

Qualification

The determination of whether an individual is accepted as a client depends on the individual's financial situation and the elements of the controversy. Individuals who seek to obtain representation from the Clinic must provide information relating to their financial status to determine qualification. A low income taxpayer is an individual (including those that are self-employed) whose income does not exceed 250 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines published annually by HHS.

Amount in Controversy

The amount in controversy for any taxable year generally must not exceed the amount specified in IRC § 7463 (currently $50,000). The amount in controversy includes penalties, but does not include interest.

ESL Education and Outreach

If you speak English as a second language (ESL) and need help understanding your taxpayer rights and responsibilities, you can seek assistance at JCVision and Associates, Inc. The walk-in site has bilingual staff to provide assistance.

Other Information

JCVision's LITC program is partially funded by the IRS. However, the clinic and our volunteers are completely independent of and are not associated with the federal government.

Volunteers Needed to Serve on Pro Bono Panel

Are you a tax attorney, certified public accountant or enrolled agent who is authorized to practice before the IRS, WE NEED YOU TO VOLUNTEER to serve on our pro bono panel. A pro bono panel consists of qualified representatives that do not charge for representing low income individuals.

JCVision is in need of tax professionals to donate some of their time to help taxpayers resolve issues with the IRS. Everyday our clinic is serving taxpayers needing our services, who cannot afford to pay market rates for professional assistance, especially during these economic challenging times. We cannot do it alone, WE NEED YOUR HELP NOW. Your help matters. Please give our office a call for more details: (912)877-4243. We thank you in advance for your service and time.

Please review a special message from Nina Olson, the National Taxpayer Advocate
Taxpayer Advocate Service

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Homeownership

JCVision and Associates, Inc. offers housing education and counseling programs to assist consumers with pre and post homeownership topics. We offer this service through one-on-one counseling and/or group workshop settings. JCVision is a U.S. Housing and Urban Development Approved Housing Counseling Agency.

Pre-Purchase and First Time Homebuyers

If you are interested in buying a home, the first step is a credit review to make sure that your credit status is satisfactory. Our certified counselors will pull a tri-merge credit report and review your credit history with you.

The next step is to assess your current financial situation, create a realistic budget to balance income with expenses, and determine how much home you can afford.

Finally, you will receive a comprehensive education about the complete process of purchasing a home. Topics of discussion will include (but not totally inclusive)choosing a real estate agent, finding a home, qualifying for a mortgage, inspection vs. appraisal, choosing a closing attorney, closing costs, escrow, choosing insurance and 2-10 warranty products, and post purchase responsibilities. Upon completion of the homebuyer education sessions a certificate of participation will be promptly issued. This will allow you to proceed with home purchase and closing process. Timely certificate delivery is offered by email, fax, mail or in person.

Mortgage Default and Foreclosure Prevention

If you are behind on your mortgage payments, our certified housing counselors can help you get back on track. Our goal is assist you to avoid foreclosure on your home. We will work with you to:

• Establish a budget and set priorities to establish a course of action to address the problem or need
• Promote alternatives and determine strategies for saving your home within HUD guidelines
• Identify additional resources available with extenuating guidelines for financial assistance to resolve your housing crisis

Foreclosure prevention counseling is currently available FOR FREE. Our staff has the expertise and to serve in consumers’ best interests.

NOTE: These services are very different from for-profit loan modification “specialists” who charge high, advanced fees to, frequently, do little or nothing to help the homeowner in need of help.

Beware of Foreclosure Rescue Scams - Help Is Free!

Q: What are some of the warning signs of scams or fraud?
A: The following are some warning signs of foreclosure rescue scams and fraud

• There should never be a fee for assistance with or information about the Making Home Affordable Program.
• Beware of any person or organization that asks you to pay an upfront fee in exchange for a counseling service or modification of a delinquent loan. Do not pay – walk away!
• Beware of anyone who says they can "save" your home if you sign or transfer over the deed to your house. Do not sign over the deed to your property to any organization or individual unless you are working directly with your mortgage company to forgive your debt.
• Never make your mortgage payments to anyone other than your mortgage company without their approval.
• The Obama Administration has launched a coordinated effort across federal and state government and the private sector to target mortgage loan modification fraud and foreclosure rescue scams that threaten to hurt American homeowners and prevent them from getting the help they need during these challenging times.

Q: What should I do if I’ve been scammed?
A: The following are a few steps to take immediately to report your situation:

• First, get the help you need to avoid foreclosure. Contact your servicer immediately.
• Contact JCVision and Associates, Inc, a HUD-approved housing counselor toll free:
• To learn about foreclosure rescue scams, go to the following websites and to file a complaint or to get free information on fraud and other consumer issues:
  • Federal Bureau of Investigation
  • Prevent Loan Scams
  • Loan Scam Alert
  • Federal Trade Commission or 877-FTC-HELP (4357)

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Fair Housing and Filing a Complaint

Introduction

The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in housing or lending because of race or color, national origin, religion, gender, familial status, or disability.

History

On April 11, 1968, President Lyndon Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act of 1968, which was meant as a follow-up to the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The 1968 act expanded on previous acts and prohibited discrimination concerning the sale, rental, and financing of housing based on race, religion, national origin, or sex. The act was amended under Title VIII of the Act in 1968 to prohibit discrimination based on disability and familial status.

The enactment of the federal Fair Housing Act on April 11, 1968 came only after a long and difficult journey. However, when Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated on April 4, 1968, President Lyndon Johnson utilized this national tragedy to urge for the bill's speedy Congressional approval. Since the 1966 open housing marches in Chicago, Dr. King's name had been closely associated with the fair housing legislation. President Johnson viewed the Act as a fitting memorial to the man's life work, and wished to have the Act passed prior to Dr. King's funeral in Atlanta.

Equal access to rental housing and homeownership opportunities is the cornerstone of this nation’s federal housing policy. Landlords, lenders, sellers or any housing provider who refuse to rent , finance, or sell any dwelling to people based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability or familial status are violating the federal law, and HUD will vigorously pursue them. Housing discrimination is not only illegal, it contradicts in every way the principals of freedom and opportunity we treasure as Americans. The Department of HUD is committed to ensuring that everyone is treated equally when searching for a place to call home.

File a Complaint

If you feel you have been a victim of discrimination. The Fair Housing Act allows you to file a complaint free of charge. Alleged violations of the Act are investigated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, state and private fair housing groups working with HUD, such as JCVision and Associates.

Time Limitation to File a Complaint

There is a time Limit To File A Complaint. You must file a complaint within one year of the housing discrimination. You have two years to file a federal civil court action. If You Suspect you are a victim of Housing or lending discrimination, You Can File A Complaint free of charge with US Department of HUD or JCVision and Associates, your local HUD Approved Housing Counseling & FHIP Agency. Call our office immediately at (912)877-4243 or toll free (866)396-4243. Your inquires and complaint filing is strictly confidential.