STAMFORD, Connecticut-Joined by Congressman Jim Himes and IRS Acting Director Norma Brudwick the message was “take your money, you earned it.”
Several changes have been made to EITC this year due to the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA), including taxpayers now being able to claim a third qualifying child. ARRA also increases the beginning point of the phase-out range for the credit for all married couples filing a joint return, regardless of the number of children. These changes apply to 2009 and 2010 tax returns.
“The Earned Income Tax Credit and Childcare Tax Credit are significant financial resources for working families particularly in these challenging economic times,” said Aubuchon. “An estimated 20 to 25 percent more people may qualify for EITC but may not be aware of it. Many people who do qualify use Refund Anticipation Loan services, a predatory lending practice that charges a high interest rate to gain immediate access to money that rightfully belongs to the taxpayer. Our objective is to let every family know there is a better way to go.”
“The Earned Income Tax Credit is one of the most effective anti-poverty tools we have, but many people who are eligible miss out on over $5,000 because they don’t complete a tax return form,” said Congressman Himes. “I encourage working families in the area to make use of VITA's programs—we don't want to leave money on the table that could put food on the table.”
Residents with incomes below $49,000 are given priority for free income tax preparation by trained volunteers at the city’s VITA centers. Additionally filers will be connected with asset building opportunities such as Individual Development Accounts (IDAs) to improve their standard of living. The Tax-Aide sites which serve people of all ages, gives special attention to seniors 60 and older.
Jonathan Hoch, Chief Community Officer for Domus said, “Domus is proud to be able to offer its Lockwood Avenue location as a VITA site this year. We want all eligible families to receive the credit to which they are entitled, but to do that, they must file a return.”
VITA centers are located at CTE, Yerwood Center, Domus, and Mujer Virtuosa Ministries. Tax-Aide sites include the Stamford Senior Center, CTE, and the Ferguson Library’s Harry Bennett and Weed Memorial branches.