EITC Free Tax Prep
| From: Feb 4th, 2012 @ 12:00 am To: Apr 7th, 2012 @ 12:00 am | < Previous Page |
Thousands of Northeast Arkansans could overlook a special federal tax credit because they don't know about it. As a result, they could miss out on up to $5,751 extra in their federal income tax refunds through the Earned Income Tax Credit, or EITC. Specifically in Arkansas, last year 306,375 residents claimed this tax credit bringing $725 Million into the economy with an average of $2,366 per return. According to IRS representatives, in our region alone, approximately $4 million in Earned Income Tax Credits are not claimed.
"EITC is a financial boost for working folks at any time, but especially now and allows more funds to flow into our local economy” said Paula Robertson, Community Impact Coordinator, United Way of Northeast Arkansas
Anyone earning $49,078 or less from wages, self-employment or farming in 2011 should see if they qualify. Eligible workers must file federal income tax returns-even if they are not required to file-and specifically must claim the credit to get it.
Many people will qualify for the first time this year due to changes in their income or changes in their marital or parental statuses. The IRS estimates that only four out of five eligible workers currently claim their EITC. "Our goal at United Way is to raise that to five out of five, workers in Northeast Arkansas” said Ms. Robertson “They earned it. Now they need to file to claim it and get it."
Local workers can get free help determining their EITC eligibility and claiming the credit one of two ways. IRS certified volunteers will be available on a first come first served basis at St. Bernards Auditorium on Saturday, February 4th from 9-5. Appointments will be available on Friday and Saturday mornings, February 10 through April 7, 2012. Call the United Way office at 870-935-3658 or email uwnea@local.unitedway.org to make an appointment.
Whether workers choose to have a volunteer or paid preparer do their taxes, to accurately determine EITC eligibility they should bring all of these items:
- Photo proof of identification
- Social Security cards for themselves, their spouse and all dependents or Social Security number verification letters issued by the Social Security Administration
- Birth dates for all persons listed on the tax return
- Wage and earning statement(s) Forms W-2, W-2G, and 1099-R, from all employers
- Interest and dividend statements from banks (Forms 1099)
- Copies of their prior year federal and state returns, if available
- Bank routing and account numbers for direct deposit of their refunds
- Other relevant information about income and expenses
- Amounts paid for day care, if applicable, and the day care provider's identifying number.
- Both spouses must be present to sign joint returns.
Visit uwnea.org to learn more or certify to Volunteer, or call the United Way office at 970-935-3658