DuluthLISC.org

For Immediate Release
January 22, 2010

COMMUNITY ACTION DULUTH ANNOUNCES FREE TAX SITE SCHEDULE
Last year, Community Action Duluth assisted over 1300 people to claim over $2.5 million dollars in refunds. Over eighty volunteers have been recruited for 2010 and we are expecting to serve over 1500 people in 2010. Households with 2009 income of $49,000 and under are eligible for free tax preparation and e-filing at Community Action Duluth.

People who work but don’t earn a lot of money may be eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit. IRS estimates that 20 to 25 percent of eligible taxpayers fail to claim the credit which could put as much as $5,657 into the pockets of a family with three or more children, or send as much as $3,043 to a family with one child, or up to $457 for a worker with no children. The Earned Income Tax Credit is the federal government’s largest program benefiting lower earning workers.42% of our tax site customers in 2009, did receive the Earned Income Tax Credit.

“The extra dollars eligible taxpayers can get through EITC can make their lives a little easier,” said Eric Blomstrom the Community Action Duluth Tax Site coordinator, “but they must file tax returns, even if they aren’t required to file, and claim the credit, to receive it.”

Blomstrom said some individuals and families may qualify for the credit for the first time, because of unemployment or other changes in their financial, marital or parental status during the past year.

Times and Dates:

Community Action Duluth – Walk-ins only
Opens: January 30th
19 North 21st  Avenue West
Tuesday's; doors open at 4:30 p.m.
Saturday's; doors open at 8:45 a.m.

Memorial Park   - For People with dependents
Appointments available – walk in’s welcome
Opens: February 1
5315 Grand Avenue
Monday's and Wednesday's; doors open at 4:30 p.m.
Childcare provided
Additional times available by appointment

Services in addition to free tax prep include: Credit reports and Credit Counseling through Lutheran Social Services at the Memorial Park site, the opening of savings accounts and low-cost Express Refund Loans through a partnership with Northern Communities Credit Union, benefits screening through tools offered by the Children’s Defense Fund and the purchase of U.S. savings bonds.

For more information contact:  Eric Blomstrom  @  726-1665