Addabbo: Many May Overlook Valuable Tax Credit

Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr.

15^th District

District Office                                                                                                  

159-53 102^nd Street                                                                                          

Howard Beach, NY 11414      

Press Release

                                                                                                                                                For Immediate Release   

Contact:  Judy Close

718-738-1111

or Tatiana Llgonde, IRS, 212-436-1026

Addabbo:   Many May Overlook Valuable Tax Credit

Queens, NY, January 27, 2010 – Because EITC Awareness Day is Friday, January 29, NYS Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr., wants to remind his constituents that the Earned Income Tax Credit, or EITC, can make life a little easier for workers struggling to make ends meet in today’s tight economy—up to $5,600, or more, easier. Yet, the Internal Revenue Service estimates one in four eligible taxpayers could miss out on this valuable tax credit because they don’t check it out. EITC has been making the lives of working people a little easier for 35 years.  

“Many people will qualify for EITC for the first time this year because their income declined, their marital status changed or they added children to their families,” according to NYS Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. (D-Howard Beach), who is partnering with the IRS to promote the tax credit within Queens.  “Families with three or more children also get an extra boost with a larger credit this year—a $5,657 maximum—vs. a minimum credit of $457 for families with no children.  I encourage my constituents to apply, if they think they qualify,” said Addabbo. 

He encourages anyone who earned $48,279 or less from wages (includes those who became unemployed), self-employment, or farming for the year 2009 to see if they qualify. Eligible taxpayers can get their EITC only if they file federal income tax returns – even if they are not otherwise required to file – and specifically claim the credit. Taxpayers can get free help determining their EITC eligibility and claiming the credit by calling 311 or visit www.eitc.irs.gov.   

There will be several area locations in the area offering free tax preparation on first-come, first-served basis, including libraries located outside Senate District 15:  Queens Library at Bayside, Bellerose, Fresh Meadows, Hillcrest, Hollis, Jackson Heights, Kew Gardens Hills (Flushing), Langston Hughes (Corona), Laurelton, Pomonok (Flushing). For more information, log on to www.queenslibrary.org or call Special Services at Queens Library at 718-990-0746.   

Free help is available from IRS-trained volunteers from the AARP on indicated days/hours at Queens libraries below located within or nearby Addabbo’s district (no appointment needed; low-income seniors are given priority):  

Queens Library at Broad Channel (nearby Senate District 15)

16-26 Cross Bay Blvd

Broad Channel, NY      11693

718-318-4943

Available Dates: February 3 – April 14

Site Hours: Wednesdays 1 - 5 PM 

Queens Library at North Forest Park (within Senate District 15)

98-27 Metropolitan Ave.

Forest Hills, NY  11375

718-261-5512

Available Dates: February 4- April 15

Site Hours: Thursdays, 1 – 5 PM 

Queens Library at Sunnyside (nearby Senate District 15)

43-06 Greenpoint Ave.

Long Island City, NY 11104-2606

718-784-3033

Available Dates: February 1-April 12

Site Hours: Mondays,  1- 5 PM 

To help accurately determine their EITC eligibility and prepare their returns, taxpayers should bring:  photo identification; valid Social Security cards for the taxpayer, spouse and dependents; birth dates for primary, secondary and dependents on the tax return; current year’s tax package, if received; wage and earning statement(s) Form W-2, W-2G, 1099-R, from all employers; interest and dividend statements from banks (Forms 1099); a copy of last year’s federal and state returns, if available; bank routing numbers and account numbers for direct deposit; other relevant information about income and expenses; total paid for day care; day care provider's identifying number. 

For more information, call Sen. Addabbo’s district office at 718-738-1111.