Free Credit Reports

How it works:

• The tax program either trains volunteers or partners with a credit counseling agency to access free credit reports that are now available to everyone through www.annualcreditreport.com.
• After the customer’s taxes are done, they can get a free credit report and then talk with someone one-on-one about what it contains, how to do credit repair, and where they can go for follow-up assistance

What works well:

• Tax customers are offered something they value which opens the door to a conversation about debt and credit issues and referral to more in-depth services
• You can offer the credit reports year-round, not just at tax time, to build an ongoing relationship with customers
• You can build customer loyalty by addressing a need that is a high priority for customers

Who has done it successfully:

The Burlington-Winooski EITC Coalition (RuFES Alumni 2005) in Burlington Vermont successfully ran two free-credit reporting clinics—one at tax sites during the 2006 season and one in the fall of 2006 to market tax-assistance services for 2007.

For more information, contact Margaret Bozik or Robyn Wainner.

The Aspen Institute Community Strategies Group (CSG) | One Dupont Circle, NW | Suite 700 | Washington, DC 20036