EITC Can Mean Up to 5 Months Salary Returned to Taxpayers

(Monday, January 12, 2009) – “I cannot predict who will play in the Super Bowl,” said Little Rock Mayor Mark Stodola, “but I can predict that the people who attend Super Saturday and who take advantage of the Earned Income Tax Credit will all be winners. Persons attending the “Super Saturday” Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Super Saturday event may be eligible to receive up to five months salary returned in a tax credit.”

These remarks were made at a press conference announcing the plans for the 2009 Super Saturday and the EITC awareness campaign.

Super Saturday will take place on January 31, from 9am to 3pm. It will take place at the Village Shopping Center located at 3901 South University Avenue.
“We want to be able to serve everyone, so we are asking for you to make an appointment,” said Jane Fisher, IRS Tax Specialist. “To make an appointment for Super Saturday, call 682-7719.”

“Free tax preparation services are available throughout tax season,” said Ms. Fisher. “It is easy to find a nearby site, simply call 1-800-829-1040.”

“Last year, I filed for the EITC. With the money I received back, I was able to partner with Habitat for Humanity and now have a new home,” said Carla Allen. “As a single mother of two small children, the EITC has been a great help to me and my family.”

The EITC is available for: 1) Workers who were raising one child in their house and had income of less than $33,241 (or $35,241 for married workers) in 2008; 2) Workers who were raising more than one child in their home and had income of less than $37,783 (or $39,783 for married workers) in 2007; and 3) Workers who were not raising children in their home, were between the ages of 25 and 64 or December 31, 2008, and had income below $12,590 (or $14,590 for married workers).

Volunteer certified tax assistance experts from the IRS and AARP will help people complete and file tax returns at no cost to taxpayers. Taxpayers wishing to participate will need to bring a photo ID; Social Security cards for self, spouse, and dependents; copies of all W2s, 1099s, etc; a copy of a check for direct deposit; and spouse (if filing a joint return.) Spanish language interpreters will be on hand.

In addition, a tailgate party will be set up featuring additional free services and information on Individual Development Accounts, bank and credit union accounts, homebuyer programs, Medicaid, food stamps, and others.

The agencies aiding in Super Saturday include the City of Little Rock Department of Community Programs, City of Little Rock, in partnership with Pulaski County Government, Arkansas Department of Human Services, Central Arkansas Development Council, ACORN, and the US Department of Housing & Urban Development.
Also participating are AARP, the Arkansas Employees Federal Credit Union, Central Arkansas Development Council, ACORN, Arkansas Municipal League, St. Louis Federal Reserve, Internal Revenue Service, Federal Deposit Insurance, The William J. Clinton Foundation, Housing and Urban Development, Little Rock Workforce Investment Board, Arkansas Department of Human Services, Hola! Arkansas, and the Arkansas Employees Federal Credit Union.

They will also inform the public of the universal Phone Excise Tax Refund. ACORN and the City of Little Rock will distribute information on Fair Housing and Homebuyer Programs. HUD will provide information on housing opportunities in coordination with the Little Rock Housing Authority and Pulaski County Housing Agency.

Hola! Arkansas will provide Spanish translation services. The CADC will provide economic literacy and Individual Development Accounts, and DHS will answer questions and provide information on Medicaid and Food Stamps. First begun during the 2002 tax season, the 2009 campaign seeks to raise the awareness and filing of the EITC and increased use of free tax assistance and filing sites.

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