United Way launches Free Tax Preparation campaign

October 16, 2006

United Way is launching another campaign to help families in Snohomish County—this time by preparing tax returns, especially for people who may qualify for thousands of dollars in federal credits.

United Way is opening a free tax preparation and electronic filing site January 20 at the Boys & Girls Club in North Everett, 2316 12th Street. Trained and certified volunteers will be on hand Tuesday and Thursday evenings, 5-8 p.m., Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. to complete income tax returns. Electronic filing means any refunds an individual or family is owed come back much
more quickly, usually within 10 business days.

“Although no one will be turned away because of income level, the primary purpose is to help low- and moderate-income working families claim federal tax credits they may not even know they qualify for,” said Deborah Squires, United Way spokesperson.

One such credit—the Earned Income Tax Credit—can be worth up to $4,500 cash back for eligible families with children. The earned income tax program has been credited with lifting more children out of poverty than any other federal program. Even individuals and families who don’t earn enough to have to file a claim may receive money back, but only if they file.

It is estimated that as much as $10 million in earned income tax credits goes unclaimed each year in Snohomish County alone. Research also shows that 68 percent of families who receive the credit spend it on items such as food, housing, utilities and health care. That huge potential to increase families’ ability to afford the basic needs for themselves made sense to United Way volunteers who spent more than a year studying ways to impact hunger and food security.

Sponsors Bank of America, the EverTrust Foundation, and Moss Adams, and partners the Boys & Girls Club and the IRS, were equally sold on the positive economic impact of bringing federal dollars into the community.

“Saving the fees and refund anticipation loan charges alone that a family may pay elsewhere can make a huge difference in putting money back into the pocket of those who need it most,” Squires said.

Volunteers will be working through April 14 at the Boys & Girls Club. Only basic individual taxes are prepared: no businesses and no rental income. No appointment is necessary, however, if an interpreter is needed, it’s best to call first for an appointment first. United Way has volunteers who speak a number of languages. The number for the United Way of Snohomish County free tax site in North Everett is 425.248.9914.

Tax clients need to bring:

A valid picture ID
W-2 forms and 1099s from every employer
Social Security number(s) for you, your spouse, children and other dependents OR an individual tax payer identification number (ITIN)
Bank account information for a direct deposit or tax return—a copy of a valid check (No bank account? Get a bonus if you sign up for free checking!)

There are other free tax preparation sites throughout Puget Sound.
Call 2-1-1 or 1-877-211-9274 for the free tax preparation site nearest you.

October 16, 2006

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