MORE WORKERS CAN CLAIM TAX CREDITS THIS YEAR
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Marlboro County Tax Coalition Provides Free Tax Assistance
Workers in Marlboro County and the Surrounding Areas May Be Eligible for Federal Tax Dollars
Bennettsville, SC - Local residents can receive valuable help at tax time this spring from the Marlboro County Tax Coalition , which is providing free tax preparation assistance at the offices of the Community Development Corporation of Marlboro County on 106 E Market Street, Bennettsville, SC. This year many workers will qualify for the Earned Income Credit (EIC) for the first time because their income declined or they became unemployed; tax refunds through the EIC and Child Tax Credit can help low-and moderate-income families cover day-to-day expenses such as utilities, rent and child care. Families with three or more children also get an extra boost with a larger EIC this year.
The IRS extimates, however, that one-fourth of eligible people could miss out on the EIC because they don't know about it, don't know that they qualify or don't know where to find free tax filing assistance.
At Marlboro County Tax Coalition's VITA sites, IRS-certified volunteer tax preparers work one-on-one with families and individuals to help file their returns and insure that they receive the tax credits for which they qualify. In addition, some sites can direct their customers to no-fee bank accounts, credit repair services or financial education classes.
"Workers who earn $48,000 or less in 2010 and were raising children should see if they qualify for the EIC" said Keith Brewington. "And single workers not raising children who earned less than $13,400 might qualify for a smaller EIC," Keith Brewington added. "But you must file a federal income tax return to claim the EIC - even if you don't earn enough to owe any federal income taxes."
In 2009, the average South Carolina taxpayer who received an EIC refund got $1110.30 to supplement his or her wages. A family of four who recently received a refund of $2,684 from the federal Earned Income Credit (EIC) and Child Tax Credit (CTC). The family plans to use the extra money to catch up on delinquent bills and open a savings account.
"Why pay when you can get your taxes done for free?" Keith Brewington asks. "Many workers pay tax preparers high fees and face excessive interest on refund anticipation loans. Our tax assistance sites help families maximize their tax credits and use them to make ends meet or save for the future"
Tax assistance will be available at the CDC of Marlboro County located at 106 E Market Street, Bennettsville, SC. Dates and times will be announced later.
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VITA/EITC INCOME TAX PREPARATION CAMPAIGN
MARLBORO COUNTY TAX COALITION