Earned Income Tax Credit Alliance launches 2009 effort

(For immediate release)

EITC SUPER SITES and neighborhood/community locations will prepare taxes for FREE, ensuring families earning $41k or less benefit from the Earned Income Tax Credit.

Two kickoff rallies on January 16, 2009 will announce the formal start of EITCA's work to helping low to moderate income families maximize their tax refunds by utilizing the Earned Income Tax Credit. Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) workers will provide tax filing help, FREE OF CHARGE.

The Earned Income Tax Credit Alliance (EITCA) is an initiative of United Way of the Mid-South in partnership with the Internal Revenue Service, Memphis City and County Governments, the Dial 211 information system and other business and nonprofit agencies. During this tax season, the alliance is helping to support more than 25 sites across the region, where families with children earning $41,646 or less can get their taxes prepared at no cost. They can also find out if they qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit which lifts more children out of poverty than any single federal program.

Last tax season, the Earned Income Tax Credit Alliance and its partners served over 8,000 families and individuals, and generated over $7 million in total federal refunds.

Governor Phil Bredesen has proclaimed January 31st Tennessee Earned Income Tax Credit Awareness Day. Additionally, First Lady Andrea Conte has recorded several public service announcements to help raise awareness about the Earned Income Tax Credit.

Tax Filers should bring proof of identity (picture ID), all W-2, 1098 or 1099 forms, Social Security or Tax ID number (ITIN) card for all individuals listed on return, and a voided bank check or savings deposit slip for direct deposit to receive refunds in 7 – 10 days. If filing joint returns, both spouses must be present.

Filers are encouraged to dial 2-1-1, Tennessee’s community services referral help line, to find locations for free tax preparation sites and their hours. Numerous free tax preparation sites will be open through April 15 to help people use the Earned Income Tax Credit and maximize their possibilities for a sizeable income tax refund. Many locations have electronic tax filing capabilities, speeding up the entire filing process.

(if dialing 2-1-1 does not work, call 901-415-2790 instead)

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