Super Saturday events offer free services
By Rob Justus
Are you getting your fair share at tax time? A free service, where you can get your taxes prepared and find out if you’re eligible for the “Earned Income Tax Credit” will take place on Saturday, Feb. 4, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Lloyd Center Mall, Suite 2025, and the Beaverton Resource Center, 12500 Allen Boulevard.
The “Super Refund Saturday” events are open to everyone and provided by KeyBank, CASH Oregon and AARP-Tax-Aide.
Hardworking families trying hard to make ends meet might qualify for hundreds or thousands of dollars in a tax refund through the “Earned Income Tax Credit.”
The EITC is based on your income and number of qualifying children. If you qualify, you’ll get money back from the IRS when you file your taxes. Refund amounts range anywhere from $2 up to $5,751, depending on income and family size.
Last year, a client at KeyBank’s Super Refund Saturday found out about the EITC and decided to check her previous returns. Imagine her delight when she realized that her paid tax preparer had failed to mention it to her for the three previous years. Upon refiling, she received a check for $4,500.
“I was able to pay some bills and get some debt off my shoulders,” she said.
To take advantage of the free tax preparation services, visit the sites above for help on a first-come, first-served basis and bring the following documents with you:
W-2s or other statements for you and your spouse from all your employers; Picture ID; Social Security card or ITIN number and birthdates for everyone on your return; Any 1099 Forms (for income from interest, dividends, retirement, social security or unemployment); Name, address and taxpayer identification number of child care provider, if you pay for daycare; Records of student loan payments; Records of payments for educational expenses, such as college tuition; Mortgage interest and property tax statements if you own a home; Bank account number and bank routing number, for direct deposit; A copy of last year’s tax return, if you have it; If filing jointly, both filer and spouse must be present to file electronically.
Tax advisors will be at Super Refund Saturday and ready to help you.
Each year, thousands of Americans don’t claim the EITC on their federal income-tax returns, which means almost $160 billion goes unclaimed.
For more information, call 2-1-1 or visit cashoregon.org.
Rob Justice is executive director of CASH Oregon.
