3-On Your Side: Free Tax Help
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- It's that time of year some of us love, and some of us hate. It all depends on whether you're getting money back or owe to the IRS. You know what we're talking about, tax time.
The last of W-2 forms are in the mail, so you can start tackling your returns soon.
One in four eligible taxpayers fails to claim the earned income tax credit. That's like leaving money on the table and walking away. That's why groups around the area are trying to get the word out. And in doing so, they'll even help you to file your return.
The Campaign for Working Families has opened up eleven free tax preparation sites around Philadelphia.
At those sites tax returns are being prepared free of charge by IRS certified volunteers.
"We are trying to promote, come in here get your taxes done for free and get all of your money, not a portion of your money," said Khadijah Jones with the Campaign for Working Families.
For example, only one in four families that qualify for the earned income tax credit actually file the forms to receive it.
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As a result families could be due money that they never receive.
"Up to $5,666 depending on your filing status, the number of dependents, and your income," said Jones.
These preparers will be sure the correct forms are filled out.
The free tax preparation services isn't available to everyone. Like the earned income tax credit, it's income based, available to families who earned less than $49,000 in 2010 or for singles with incomes under $20,000.
For more information on getting help with your taxes, click here.
Reported by Jim Donovan, CBS3
