Free Tax Preparation and E-filing for Low to Moderate - Income Workers
Tuesday, Jan 20, 2009 9:47am

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THIS YEAR FOR THE FIRST TIME, YOU CAN DIAL 2-1-1 STATEWIDE TO FIND THE FREE INCOME TAX ASSISTANCE SITE NEAREST YOU.  LOUISIANA 2-1-1 IS PREPARED TO ANSWER WHERE TO GO…AND WHAT TO BRING WITH YOU!!!

 

The Northwest Louisiana Coalition’s objective is to help ensure that eligible Tax Filers take advantage of Earned Income Tax Credit and several other eligible credits to provide them with greater access to income for their individual household needs.  FREE Tax Preparation and E-Filing is available with NO FILING FEES, NO LOANS, NO INTEREST, and NO HASSLES.  The coalition also strives to offer additional services to those who have need, i.e.; financial literacy, money management, credit repair, and this year for those who are not current banking customers, but still want the expedited refund available with Direct Deposit; Chase Direct Deposit Cards are available at two of the region’s FREE Income Tax Assistance Sites and member agencies, Centerpoint Community Services and Claiborne Parish Community Services.  

Background:  “The Brookings Institute” reports that less than 2% of EITC Claimants use FREE Tax Assistance Services, and that the estimated EITC Claims filed annually in Louisiana, 1 Billion dollars x 10% = 100 Million dollars of estimated and UNCLAIMED EITC dollars due Louisiana low income workers.  In Northwest Louisiana, a mere 2,000 Tax Returns taking advantage of Earned Income Credits results in an estimated $3,000,000.00 in tax refunds.  NOW THAT IS ASSET BUILDING AND A GREAT ECONOMIC IMPACT!!! Individuals and families interested in taking advantage of this program should review the following eligibility guidelines:

 

• Household income cannot exceed $41,646 (married filing joint).

• You have not worked and/or lived in another state during 2008

• You must have been a U.S. Citizen or Resident Alien for all of 2008.

• You must have a valid social security number.

• You cannot be filing as "married filing separately."

• You are not the qualifying child of another person.

 

To find the FREE Income Tax Assistance Site nearest you, and learn more about this program, DIAL 2-1-1 or visit www.centerpt.org.

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| | | | Posted by Centerpoint