IRS News Release - "There's Still Time to Get Free Tax Help in Your Community"

IRS /ledia Reb Offn www.irs.gov OS News Release Oakland, CA Contact: Jesse Weller newsroom April 1-0, 2009 www .IRS.uo\ Tel. 510-637-2800 Release No: SF-09-23 There's Still Time to Get Free Tax Help in Your Community Volunteer Income Tax Assistance and Tax Counseling for the Elderly sites in your community can prepare and file your return electronically. You can receive your refund in as few as 10 days using e-file and direct deposit. VITA and TCE programs. Many sites will be open this weekend and through the April 15 income tax filing deadline. Trained volunteers help ensure people get the tax credits and deductions they are eligible to claim. If you made $42,000 or less last year, there is still time to get free help filing your federal income tax return. Community organizations sponsor tax preparation sites where people can receive free tax assistance as part of the "We expect that more people qualify for free help and possibly larger refunds because they earned less last year. They may now qualify for tax credits that they did not get in the past," said IRS spokesman Jesse Weller. Lost jobs or reduced income mean that many people may be eligible for certain lax credits for the first time. For example, the refundable Earned Income Tax Credit is for people who work but who do not earn a lot of money. The EITC adds an extra S2,000 benefit on average. The additional child tax credit and the first-time homebuyer credit are important benefits also affected by a taxpayer's income. Don't miss out on this free service and your chance for a quicker refund. The following IRS community-based partner sites are ready to help people file their tax returns in San Francisco, Oaldand, San Jose and Milpitas • • San Francisco State University, 1600 Holloway Ave, Science Building, Room SCI 2055 San Francisco. Open Saturday April 11, 9:30 am - 12:30 pm; and Monday - Wednesday April 13-15, 12:30 pm - 6 pm. The Unity Council, 1900 Fruitvale Ave # 2B, Oakland. Open Monday - Wednesday April 13-15, Lundy Post Office, 1750 Lundy Ave, San Jose. Open for "Midnight Madness" on Wednesday April 15, from 10 am -12 pm and 2 pm - 6 pm. • • Milpitas Public Library, 160 N. Main St, Milpitas. Open Saturday, April 11, from 10 am - 2 pm and on Wednesday, April 15, from 3 pm - 8 pm. 6 pm - midnight. People who want their tax returns prepared should bring the following information: • Valid driver's license or photo identification (self & spouse, if applicable) • • Social Security cards for all persons listed on the return • All income statements: Fonns W-2, 1099, Social Security, Unemployment, or other benefits statements, selfemployment records and any documents showing taxes withheld Dependent child care information: payee's name, address and Social Security Number or Taxpayer Dates of birth for all persons listed on the return • • • © Proof of financial account for direct debit or direct deposit (i.e. cancelled/voided check or bank statement) Prior year tax return (if available) Any other pertinent documents or papers Identification Number For those who are not able to make a trip, the IRS also offers other free tax preparation options as part of the Free File program on the official IRS.gov Web site. IRS.gov is also the best place to go for answers, access to forms and publications and other free services. — 30 —