FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

It's Your Money... You Earned It!

Coalition expands free tax prep service "Super Savings Saturday" set for February 16.

Chillicothe, OH (February 8, 2008) The Ross County EITC Coalition will sponsor a special weekend clinic to expand its current free tax preparation service aimed at securing maximum available tax refunds for low- and moderate-income citizens in Ross County.

“Super Savings Saturday” is set for February 16, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Jobs One-Stop Office, 150 East Second Street. Interested wage earners are urged to schedule an appointment in advance by calling Ross County Community Action, 779-2798, for pre-screening and instructions.  Walk-ins will be accepted, if they bring required documents, but must wait for available openings and onsite screening. Free refreshments will be provided.

Eligibility is based on income level, marital status, and number of dependent children.  Annual household income (married with two or more children) up to $54,000 may qualify for the free service and possible tax refunds. Some guidelines and restrictions may apply.

 “Promoting awareness of various tax credits is essential because not all low and middle- income wage earners are aware of their eligibility for the Earned Income Tax Credit and, possibly, the Child Tax Credit and Child & Dependent Care Credit,” says Mary Elsass, executive director of United Way of Ross County, a coalition partner.  “Providing free tax preparation assistance and fast refunds is a key initiative in the Coalition’s mission to promote financial stability and independence for working individuals and families in Ross County.”

The “Super Savings Saturday” clinic was organized in response to the volume of appointments scheduled since the initiative launched last month and the number of agency employees and community volunteers recruited and trained to assist the taxpayers.

In addition to the February 16 tax clinic, weekday and evening assistance is available at several agency sites. For appointments, or to determine eligibility, individuals should call 779-2798.

The Ross County EITC Coalition was organized late last year when various agencies began meeting to discuss mutual concerns and determine how they might work together during the tax season. The coalition includes Ross County Community Action, Ross County Job & Family Services, Southeastern Ohio Legal Services, United Way of Ross County, Ohio University-Chillicothe, The Ohio Benefit Bank, and the Ohio Earned Income Tax Credit Coalition.