Senator Oppenheimer Announces Free Tax Preperation Sites to Assist Wage Earners in Determining Eligibility for Earned Income Tax Credit

 
                    Many Taxpayers May Overlook Valuable Tax Credit

     In today’s difficult economy, the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) can make life a little easier for workers and their families struggling to make ends meet.  Yet, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) estimates that one in four eligible taxpayers could miss out on this valuable tax credit because they aren’t aware that they qualify.

     The EITC is a refundable tax credit for people who work but do not earn high incomes.  Senator Oppenheimer (D-Mamaroneck) urges anyone who earned $48,279 or less from wages, self-employment or farming in 2009 to see if they qualify.  Eligible taxpayers can get their EITC, which can amount to $5,600 or more, only if they file federal income tax returns and specifically claim the credit.

     “Many people will quality for the EITC for the first time this year because their incomes declined, their marital status changed or they added children to their families,” said Senator Oppenheimer.  “Families with three or more children may qualify for a larger credit this year.”

     “Taxpayers earning less than $49,000 can get free help determining their EITC eligibility and preparing their federal and state tax returns at these locations in my Senate district:

                    Chappaqua Library                (914) 238-4779
                    195 S. Greeley Avenue
                    Chappaqua, NY 10514

                    New Rochelle Public Library            (914) 632-7878
                    1 Library Plaza
                    New Rochelle, NY 10801

                    IFCA VITA                    (914) 941-5252
                    138 Spring Street
                    Ossining, NY 10562

                    Ossining Public Library            (914) 941-2416
                    53 Croton Avenue
                    Ossining, NY 10562

                    Port Chester Public Library            (914) 939-6710
                    1 Haseco Avenue
                    Port Chester, NY 10573

                    One Employment Center – White Plains    (800) 899-1479
                    120 Bloomingdale Road
                    White Plains, NY 10605

                    Theodore Young Community Center        (914) 682-3622
                    32 Manhattan Avenue
                    White Plains, NY 10607

                    White Plains Senior Center            (914) 422-1424
                    65 Mitchell Place
                    White Plains, NY 10601

     Interested taxpayers should contact the above locations for the exact dates and times when trained IRS volunteers will be present to assist them.”

     In order to help accurately determine EITC eligibility and prepare their returns, taxpayers should bring with them:  photo identification, social security card numbers and birth dates for the taxpayer, spouse and dependents, all wage and earning statements (W2, W-2G, 1099-R), interest and dividend statements (1099), copies of  previous year’s federal and state returns, bank routing and account numbers for direct deposit, day care expenses and providers identifying number and other relevant income and expense information.

     “The Earned Income Tax Credit can provide a measure of financial relief for individuals and families who are struggling in this tough economy, so please take the time to see if you qualify,” concluded the Senator.