Congressman Snyder, LR Mayor Dailey, Other Leaders Join In Announcing Earned Income Tax Credit Effort

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE :
Monday, Jan 30, 2006

Media Release

City of Little Rock Public Relations (501) 371-6801

W. J. Monagle 501-399-3420

EITC Can Mean Up to 5 Months Salary Returned to Taxpayers

(Monday, January 30, 2006) – Persons attending Saturday’s Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Super Saturday event may be eligible to receive up to five months salary returned in a tax credit. This point was made by John Selig, Director of the Arkansas Department of Health and Human Services. He joined U.S. Congressman Vic Snyder, LR Mayor Jim Dailey, and representatives from many local community organizations in announcing plans for the Super Saturday EITC event.

Super Saturday will take place at University Mall on February 4, from 9am to 4pm. 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.

Congressman Snyder and Mayor Dailey both emphasized the effects of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. “Many of those evacuees who are still here in Little Rock and Central Arkansas may not know where to go for tax assistance in this area,” said Congressman Snyder. Mayor Dailey stated, “Some who were not eligible in the past, may now be eligible due to the after-effects of those devastating hurricanes.” Jan Pretus, area director for the IRS, remarked that EITC is the largest anti-poverty program established by the Federal Government. Also speaking at the event were City Director Johnnie Pugh, Justice of the Peace Mary Louise Williams, and representatives of Senators Blanche Lincoln and Mark Pryor.

The agencies aiding in Super Saturday include the City of Little Rock Department of Community Programs, the Arkansas Department of Health and Human Services, the Central Arkansas Development Council, ACORN, New Futures for Youth, The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Entergy, Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families, and the Good Faith Fund.