LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (Jan. 26, 2015) – It’s tax time again, and thousands of Little Rock residents could qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), designed to help low-to-moderate income families, as well as benefit from free tax prep help.

This year, those with incomes of $52,427 or less from wages, self-employment or farming might qualify for the EITC and save up to $6,143. Many may qualify for the first time due to economic changes, marital or parental status changes or other factors.

“It is a great time of the year to announce an opportunity that helps our citizens get some of their money back in their pockets,” said Little Rock Mayor Mark Stodola. “Thanks to this coalition of supporters, we’ll be able to help families and boost economic development at the same time by putting those funds back in the community.”

In addition to the City of Little Rock, the EITC Coalition includes Entergy Arkansas, the Central Arkansas Development Council, the Internal Revenue Service as well as the Arkansas Workforce Center which organizes Super Saturday, a day of free tax prep help.

W. J. Monagle, executive director of the Little Rock Workforce Investment Board, shared the resources that will be available during Super Saturday.

“People who attend Super Saturday will have the opportunity to work with IRS-certified volunteers on their tax filings,” said Monagle. “This year, our outreach includes a joint effort to help victims and survivors of domestic abuse. We want people to know there are exemptions to the tax code available for survivors of domestic violence. Filing taxes and refunds could be the first step a survivor takes to build a better life for themselves and their children.”

In attendance at the event was former Arkansas Razorback and NFL player D.J. Williams, who shared his testimony as a survivor of domestic abuse.

“My family was impacted by domestic violence with an abusive father,” said Williams. “Efforts like Super Saturday are what many victims need to break the silence and get the help they need to get back on their feet – mentally and financially.”

Super Saturday will be Saturday, Jan. 31. The event will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Arts and Crafts Building located in the Arkansas State Fairgrounds. While reservations are not required, those wishing to secure a time may call 501-682-0228.

“We are pleased to be part of the EITC coalition,” said Tom Kennedy, vice president of public affairs for Entergy Arkansas. “We know that 25 percent of our customers live in poverty and this income tax credit would be incredibly helpful for these families. Unfortunately, more than $180 million in tax credits are left on the table. It’s important to raise awareness and help people take advantage of this refund.”

To help preparers, either volunteer or paid, accurately determine EITC eligibility and prepare returns, individuals should bring the following items and both spouses must be present to sign joint returns:

• Photo proof of identification
• Social Security cards for themselves, their spouse and all dependents claimed
• All income statements including forms W-2 and 1099, Social Security, unemployment, and other statements such as pensions, stocks, interest and any documents showing taxes withheld. Self-employed participants will need records of all their income
• All records of expenses including tuition, mortgage interest or real state taxes.  Self-employed participants will need records of all their expenses
• Copies of their prior year federal and state returns, if available
• Bank routing and account numbers for direct deposit of their refunds
• Dependent child care information, including name and addresses of those who were paid for the services, including caretaker’s Social Security Number or other tax identification number.

###