FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                     CONTACT: Karen Hancock Owen

                                                                                                                                             269-673-6545 x 13

Allegan County United Way

announces

EITC Awareness Day

January 29, 2010

January 11, 2010, Allegan, MI --- 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 IRS estimates one in four eligible taxpayers could miss out on this valuable tax credit because they don’t check it out.

Many people will qualify for the EITC for the first time this year because their income declined, their marital status changed or they added children to their families.  Families with three or more children also get an extra boost with a larger credit this year. The State of Michigan also offers an additional EITC based upon a percentage of the federal EITC credit received.

Anyone who earned $48,279 or less from wages in 2009 is encouraged to see if they qualify for the EITC.  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.

The Allegan County United Way and Volunteer Center provides free federal and state income tax preparation and efile services to low-moderate income individuals and families through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program, or VITA.  Volunteer tax preparers are trained and certified by the Internal Revenue Service to help qualifying taxpayers claim credits including the federal EITC, the State of Michigan’s Home Heating Credit, and Homestead Property Tax Credit.

Taxpayers can get free help on determining their credit eligibility, as well as free income tax preparation services on the following VITA “Super Saturdays” from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at these locations:

February   6 – Project Hope/ Dorr

February 13 – Pullman Elementary School/Pullman

February 20 - River Church/Allegan

March       6 – Christian Neighbors/ Plainwell

March     13 -  River Church/Allegan

Free services are provided on a first come/first served basis and taxpayers should bring:

Photo identification

Valid Social Security cards for the taxpayer, spouse and dependents

Wage and earning statement(s) – Form W-2, W-2G, 1099R, from all employers

Interest and dividend statements from banks (Form 1099)

Bank routing numbers and account numbers for direct deposit

Other relevant information about income and expenses

Total paid for child care

Child care provider’s identifying number

Property tax bills for 2009

Name and address of home heating provider with total heating expenses for 2009

A limited number of appointments are available during the week for taxpayers unable to attend the Super Saturdays.  Please contact ACUW, 269-673-6545 x 13 for more information or to schedule an appointment. Additional information is also available on the ACUW website,  www.acuw.org