Free tax preparation available for those who qualify for EITC

From the Virginia Department of Social Services: Many low-to-moderate income working families and individuals in the Richmond area qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). An EITC credit can amount to an income tax refund of up to $4,716. Free tax preparation is available; those who qualify for EITC are eligible to have […]

March 3, 2008; 4:18 PM • by Nikole

From the Virginia Department of Social Services:

Many low-to-moderate income working families and individuals in the Richmond area qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). An EITC credit can amount to an income tax refund of up to $4,716. Free tax preparation is available; those who qualify for EITC are eligible to have their taxes prepared at no cost.

There are five free tax prep sites in the City of Richmond, including the Richmond City Department of Social Services, Southside Community Service Center at 4100 Hull Street Road. At this site, taxes are prepared each Tuesday and Wednesday from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. through April 9. No appointment is necessary.

The EITC is for moderate-income, as well as low-income households. If you have worked in the past year, including self-employment, and have earned less than $39,783 (if married filing jointly) with more than one qualifying child, you may be eligible.

Up to 22 percent of qualifying Virginia households (between 91,200 and 114,000 households) don’t take advantage of the credit. If you don’t file, you don’t get the credit: In order to receive the EITC, you must file a federal income tax return, even if you think your earnings are not high enough to require filing.

Volunteers at the free tax preparations sites are trained to look for eligible EITC households. However, if you choose a professional tax preparation service, be sure to ask if you qualify for EITC.

To find a free tax preparation site, visit the Virginia Department of Social Services’ website or call 1-800-906-9887.

March 3, 2008 4:18 PM 0