SCCAA is offering the service to help more area residents capture the earned income tax credit, a tax credit available to lower-income working people to help them keep more of what they earn. Those who qualify for the credit also qualify for the free tax preparation program, although the help will also be offered to people who have recently become jobless but do not qualify for the EITC because of their previous income.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for people to get free help with their taxes to make sure they are fully taking advantage of tax credit that’s designed to help them,” said Representative Tanzi (D-Dist. 34, South Kingstown, Narragansett). “I urge people who qualify for the earned income tax credit to make an appointment with the South County Community Action Agency and have their taxes prepared accurately and professionally for free.”
Anyone seeking the free tax preparation is asked to call SCCAA at (401) 789-3016, ext. 316. The agency is offering appointments on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at its Wakefield location, 1935 Kingstown Road.
To claim the EITC, a taxpayer must have earned income, have a valid Social Security number and can’t be married filing taxes separately or a qualifying child of another person. Generally, he or she must be a U.S. citizen or resident alien all year, or a nonresident alien married to a U.S. citizen or resident alien and filing a joint return. Only those with $3,150 or less in investment income for tax year 2011 qualify, and those file Form 2555 or 2555-EZ (related to foreign earned income) don’t qualify.
Also to qualify, your earned income in 2011 must be less than:
