Senator Persaud Announces EITC Awareness Day and Free Tax Assistance

(Brooklyn, NY) Senator Roxanne J. Persaud (D) Senate District 19, announced that January 29, 2016, marks Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Awareness Day, a nationwide effort to increase awareness about EITC and free tax preparation sites. In 2015,  27.5 million workers received about $66.7 billion in EITC refunds.

“This January 29th marks the 10th  anniversary of EITC Awareness Day,” said Senator Persaud.  “EITC can mean up to a $6,242 refund when you file a return and have qualifying children. I encourage all hard working New Yorkers to determine if they qualify for EITC and free tax preparation and take advantage of this important benefit.”

New Yorkers are able find out if they are eligible using the ‘EITC Assistant and it is available in both English and Spanish. Visit www.irs.gov/eitc to learn more and use the Assistant.

The Assistant helps you:

• Find your filing status,
• Determine if you have a qualifying child or children,
• Verify if you are eligible for EITC, and
• Estimate the amount of your credit.

Also, if a New Yorker earns less than $53,267, they qualify for free tax return preparation through volunteer sites. IRS-certified volunteers will prepare their tax return and find out if they qualify for EITC and other refundable credits. Find a location for free tax return preparation at www.irs.gov/Individuals/Free-Tax-Return-Preparation-for-You-by-Volunteers.

Individuals will need to bring the following to their preparer:

• A valid driver's license or other photo id card.
• Social security cards, a social security number verification letter or the ITIN, (individual taxpayer identifying number) for all persons listed on the return.
• Birth dates for all persons listed on return.
• All income statements: Forms W-2 and 1099, Social Security, unemployment, and other statements, such as pensions, stocks, interest and any documents showing taxes withheld. If you run a business or farm, records of all income earned.
• All records of expenses, such as tuition, mortgage interest or real estate taxes. And, if you run a business or farm, records of all related expenses.
• Copies of last year's state and federal tax returns, if available
• Bank routing numbers and account numbers to direct deposit any refund
• Dependent child care information: name and address of who you paid and either the caretaker's SSN or other tax identification number
• Both spouses to sign forms to e-file (electronically file) a joint tax return

“As tax season is upon us, I urge all of my constituents to learn more about the resources at our disposal to help file paperwork and maximize refunds. If anyone has questions or would like to learn more about EITC Day and the tax preparation resources available in our community, please contact my office,” Senator Persaud concluded.

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