Posted on Wed, Jan 25, 2012
Free Tax Preparation for Low Income Households
ST. LOUIS, MO, (SLFP.com), January 18, 2012 - If you live in St. Louis City, St. Louis County, St. Charles or metro-east Illinois and your household income was less than $50,000 in 2011 you may qualify for free tax help - and you might get more money back.
Starting Saturday, January 21, the Gateway EITC Community Coalition will offer free tax help to those who qualify. For information on if you qualify, locations, dates, and documents needed see below or contact United Way at 2-1-1 or 800-427-4626.
The average EITC return for St. Louisans was almost $1,700 last year, according to GECC. The assistance focuses on individuals or families who qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit, which is a federal tax credit designed to help people increase their financial stability numerous ways.
GECC prepares: form 1040; schedule B, C ($10,000 limit), EIC & R; form 1040-V; form 1040-ES; form 2441; form 8863; and form 8812. Please bring the following documents with you to the preparation:
- All W-2's and 1099's
- Social Security Card(s) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number(s) - ITIN - for all family members
- Valid picture ID for taxpayer and spouse (driver's license or state ID or passport)
- Copy of your 2010 tax return
- 1098 or real estate tax receipt
- Proof of unemployment compensation
- Copy of a voided check or bank account and routing numbers for direct deposit
- Proof of child care expenses
- If married and filing jointly then both spouses must be present to sign - paperwork
- Parcel number (Illinois homeowners only)
"Up to $34 million EITC refunds may go unclaimed in the St. Louis region this year," said Russ Signorino, GECC executive director. "This figure represents a substantial loss of revenue for our community and lost income for low-wage workers."
Locations/dates/times for Saturday sites are listed below for the GECC Free Tax Preparation for those with a 2011 household income of less than $50,000. Weekday locations are also available and can be found online at www.gecc.us or by calling 2-1-1 or 800-427-4626.
