Public Employee Press

Free tax preparation for members

Waiting until the last minute to file your 2004 taxes could be costly. In a panic to file before the April 15 deadline, many people go to commercial tax preparers. Joyce Loftin, a member of Local 957, won’t make that mistake again. “Last year I went to H & R Block,” said Ms. Loftin, as she waited to take advantage of free tax assistance at DC 37. “What I paid for the service was more than my refund.”

Last year DC 37 helped over 800 members get more than $2.2 million in refunds and savings on costly tax preparation. This year, DC 37 is expanding the program by continuing its partnership with the Community Food Resource Center, which will operate 10 tax assistance centers in the Bronx, Manhattan and Queens.

Professional tax preparers at each site are ready to help. For locations and more information on free tax preparation, call 1-866 WAGE PLUS (1-866-924-3758) toll free, call 1-866-365- 2737 for the Spanish translation or visit www.dc37.net. When you call, be sure to ask about the items you must bring.

Depending on income and family size, members may be eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit, additional money that is paid to low income families in addition to their tax refund.

The income limits for free tax services and the Earned Income Tax Credit are determined by the Internal Revenue Service.

If you are filing with no children, you (and your spouse*) must have earned less than $20,000 total in 2004. If you are filing with children, you (and your spouse*) must have earned less than $40,000 total in 2004.

*Your spouse’s income must be included if you are filing jointly.