Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Linda I. Gibbs and Department of Consumer Affairs Commissioner Jonathan Mintz announced on Jan. 27 the launch of the $aveNYC Account program, a special savings account to help low income New Yorkers make the most of their tax refund by building savings through a privately funded City matching program. New Yorkers who visit select Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites to file their taxes may be eligible to open a $aveNYC Account with part of their tax refund and receive a 50 percent match (up to $250) if they save the money for at least one year. The matching funds would be in addition to the 2 to 3 percent interest the savings accounts would earn. The Mayor also kicked off the City’s tax credit public awareness campaign to encourage working families and low income New Yorkers to call 311 to learn about how tax credits can boost their refunds, and also to see if they qualify for free tax preparation at one of the City’s 54 Volunteer Income Tax Assistance sites.  City residents can locate free and low-cost tax preparation sites, as well as VITA sites offering $aveNYC Accounts, by calling 311 or visiting www.nyc.gov.