Asset building is a practice that enables individuals and families to build greater financial security by learning money management skills.

BMAC offers assistance with the following asset-building topics:

• Financial Classes
• Financial Coaching
• Free Tax Preparation
• Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
• Working Families Tax Credit (WFTC)
• Credit Reports
• Affordable Bank Accounts

Financial Classes

BMAC offers a 7-week spring and fall entry level financial education course for individuals who want to learn the basics of personal finances.  Topics covered include Money Mindset, Banking, Savings, Budgeting, Credit, and Debt.  Class participants who complete weekly homework assignments based on class topics can earn $200.

We offer the class to:

• Adults in English
• Adults in Spanish
• Youth (14-18) in English

To register for an upcoming financial class, email Barbara Maxwell at barbaram@bmacww.org or call 509-529-4980.

Free Tax Preparation

The AARP Tax-Aide Program provides free income tax preparation and e-filing in Walla Walla typically from February 1-April 15 at the Walla Walla Senior Center, 720Sprague Street. This service is open to everyone without regard to income or age, who are filing a simple tax form. Information on how to schedule an appointment with Tax-Aide will be available in January.

Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)

The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a federal tax credit for low- and moderate-income working people. It encourages and rewards work as well as offsets federal payroll and income taxes. The amount of EITC depends on a recipient’s income, marital status, and number of children. For more detailed information on the EITC, check out the IRS EITC website.

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Working Families Tax Credit (WFTC)

The Working Families Tax Credit is an annual tax rebate for low and moderate income working people, living in Washington State.  Qualifying individuals may apply for the WFTC as soon  they file their federal income taxes.

• Unsure if you qualify? Go to: https://secure.dor.wa.gov/gteunauth/_/
• Want to apply for the WFTC online?  Go to: https://workingfamiliescredit.wa.gov/apply
• Need assistance filing your application?  Call BMAC at 509-529-4980 and we are happy to assist you.

‍Bank On Walla Walla

In Walla Walla County, 7.6% of people are unbanked, meaning without a bank account, and 17.8% of people are under-banked, meaning they have a bank account, but are relying upon high-fee credit or check-cashing services, (Data from Prosperity Now Scorecard, 2019).

Bank On Walla Walla is a program that connects people who are currently unbanked and underbanked to safe, low-cost and convenient bank accounts. Key features of a national certified Bank On account include:

• ‍SAFE/SECURE: No overdraft, non-sufficient funds, dormancy or surprise fees.
• ‍NO SURPRISEFEES: Monthly fees of $5 or less, low opening balances of $25 or less.
• ‍CONVENIENT: Free deposits, free withdrawals, and free bill payments.

Bank On partners include:

• Banner Bank, Digital Account
  1 E. Alder Street, Walla Walla, WA 99362, 509-526-8731

• Chase Bank, Secure Banking  
  101 W. Alder Street, Walla Walla, WA 99362,509-527-3300

• Umpqua Bank, Foundation Account   
  680 W. Rose Street, Walla Walla, WA 99362,509-529-2048

• U.S. Bank, Safe Debit Account  
  22 E. Alder Street, Walla Walla, WA 99362,509-525-8000

• WaFd Bank, Fresh Start Account  
  111 W. Main Street, Walla Walla, WA 99362,509-525-4400

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Credit Reports

Consumers are allowed free access to their credit report from the three credit bureaus (Experian, Transunion, and Equifax) as often as once a week via www.annualcreditreport.com.

Be prepared with the following information when obtaining a credit report:

• Full Name
• Date of Birth
• Social Security Number
• Current Address (and previous address if you have moved in the last 2 years)
• A series of security question to verify your identify

Need assistance accessing your credit report? Call BMAC at 509-529-4980 and one of our financial coaches will schedule an appointment to assist you in accessing your credit reports.