| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 2/9/2009 |
Contact: Kara Cermanski 609-404-4483 kcermanski@unitedwayac.org |
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FREE TAX PREPARATION AND FILING SERVICES WITH VITA SITES OPENING MONDAY Information Offered at Sites throughout County Galloway – Today United Way of Atlantic County’s Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Campaign launched their 2009 effort to continue increasing the number of EITC filings for qualified taxpayers, which this year can translate to a refund of more than $4,800 for low and moderate-income families with children – a figure that could equal nearly two months of income. United Way’s local campaign kickoff comes as part of the IRS’ national EITC Awareness Day, and encourages local residents to utilize the County’s 211 hotline and Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites to see if they are qualified to receive the EITC and other benefits. “The EITC has been found to be the single, most effective means for lifting families above the federal poverty line – a way to make a life-changing difference for working parents which helps them take ownership of their financial futures,” says John Emge Executive Director. “The EITC is an investment in our working families, our County and our nation, and this campaign marks another step in the journey to help these families begin to build wealth and assets.” “The Earned Income Tax Credit and other programs can amount to a substantial refund for working families,” says Emge. “And through our VITA sites, we are providing those qualifying families with the tools they need to reinvest in their own futures.” Qualifying low to moderate-income taxpayers can visit VITA sites to receive FREE tax preparation and e-filing services which save them more money and expedite the filing process, so that these individuals and families can receive refunds quickly -- and without paying traditional fees that are often excessive. To qualify for these services and tax credits, claimants must be qualified working U.S. citizens and legal residents with valid Social Security numbers. If a legal resident with an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) meets all of the qualifications, they too are able to retroactively claim the EITC for a period of up to three years once they receive their valid Social Security number. For several low-income families, the EITC credit could make the difference in keeping the lights on, putting food on the table, and making rent. In our area we have a vast majority of workers in low-wage jobs that do not provide for basic living costs. The EITC has become the nation’s largest anti-poverty program for working families and can help so many more – they just need to learn how to claim it. Listed below you find can Atlantic County locations, along with their schedules. You may also call 2-1-1 to find the nearest location. Atlantic City Free Public Library 1333 Atlantic Avenue 609-345-2269 ext. 3001 Fridays 9 am to 1 pm E-Filing Available Jewish Older Adult Services 1102 Atlantic Ave Atlantic City Wednesdays 10am to 1 pm 609-345-0383 E-Filing Available Buena Senior Center Central Avenue. Minotola Mondays and Tuesdays 9am to 1pm 856-697-0698 Paper Filing only Appointments only Pleasantville Rec. Center 400 Brighton Ave Pleasantville Thursdays 10am to 1pm 609-484-3608 E-Filing Available Hammonton Senior Center 310 Bellvue Ave. Hammonton Mondays only 10am -12pm 609-567-3200 Paper Filing Only Ventnor Nutrition Center 6500 Atlantic Ave. Ventnor Wednesdays only 10am to 1pm E-Filing Available Community Food Bank of NJ 6735 Black Horse Pike Egg Harbor Twp. 609-404-4483 Monday Wednesday Thursday 9am to 1pm E-Filing Available When you go to a VITA site, be sure to take the items listed below with you: • Valid photo ID • Copy of 2007 tax return (if you have it) • Social Security numbers or Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITIN) for you, your spouse and any children born before 12/31/2008 (Bring social security cards or ITIN letters if possible) • Income documentation including: - W-2 Forms from all jobs worked in 2008 - All 1099 Forms showing other income received in 2008 • Your bank account information or a blank check if you choose to have your refund directly deposited into your account Bring documentation of the following if it applies to you: • Child care expenses, including provider’s address and federal id# • Mortgage company statements • Adoption expenses • Alimony paid or received • Any notices from the IRS or state tax office • Property tax bills • College tuition and student loan interest statements If you have lost or do not have all of these items, you can still get your taxes prepared. Call the IRS helpline at 1-800-829-1040 to find out what you need to do and how to obtain replacement documents. For more information or to see if they qualify, individuals and working families can call Atlantic County’s “211” line or visit the United Way’s web site at www.unitedwayac.org |