Millions of Americans miss out on tax credits

Could you be overlooking a special federal tax credit because you don't know about it? The IRS estimates millions of Americans could be missing out on up to $5,751 extra in their federal income tax refunds through the Earned Income Tax Credit, or EITC. Last year, on average, the credit boosted refunds for eligible workers by $2,100.

This money can make a real difference to workers struggling in this recovering economy.

Anyone earning $49,078 or less from wages or self-employment in 2011 should see if they qualify. Eligible workers must file federal income tax returns ̶ even if they are not required to file ̶ and specifically must claim the credit to get it.

Many people will qualify for the first time this year due to changes in income or in marital or parental status, according to the IRS. The agency estimates four out of five eligible workers currently claim their EITC. The goal this year is to raise that to five out of five. Workers earned it. Now they need to file, claim it and get it.

Individuals can get free help determining their EITC eligibility and claiming the credit at locations throughout Northern Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati. For dates and times free Northern Kentucky tax sites are open, see list below, visit www.makeworkpay.com or call United Way 211 (dial 2-1-1).

To help preparers accurately determine EITC eligibility and prepare returns, individuals should bring:

• Photo proof of identification

• Social Security cards for themselves, their spouse and all dependents or Social Security number verification letters issued by the Social Security Administration

• Birth dates for all persons listed on the tax return

• Wage and earning statement(s) Forms W-2, W-2G, and 1099-R, from all employers
• Interest and dividend statements from banks (Forms 1099)

• Copies of their prior year federal and state returns, if available

• Bank routing and account numbers for direct deposit of their refunds

• Other relevant information about income and expenses

• Amounts paid for day care, if applicable, and the day care provider's identifying number.

Both spouses must be present to sign joint returns.

EITC is a financial boost for working people in a recovering economy and allows more funds to flow within our community. It's money that can make lives a little easier.

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Northern Kentucky Sites, Dates, Times, and Numbers to Call for More Information:

Center for Employment Training

601 Washington St. Suite 140, Newport, KY 41071

Saturday: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. (Jan 28 – Feb 18)
Saturday: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. (Feb 25 – Apr 14)

For more information call (859) 491-8303, ext. 2337

Center for Great Neighborhoods of Covington

1650 Russell St., Covington, KY 41011

Tuesday: 4-7 p.m. (Jan 31 – Apr 10)
Thursday: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. (Feb 2 – Apr 12)
Saturday: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. (Jan 28-Apr 14)

For more information call (859) 547-5531

Centro de Amistad

947 Donaldson Road, Erlanger, KY 41018

Monday: 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. (Jan 23 – Apr 9)

St. Paul’s School

7303 Dixie Highway, Florence, KY 41041

Monday: 6-9 p.m. (Feb 6 – Apr 9)

For more information call (859) 547-5537

One Stop – Brighton Center – Florence

8020 Veterans Memorial Drive, Florence, KY 41042

Saturday: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. (Jan 28 – Apr 14)

More information call (859) 491-8303, ext. 2337

NKY Community Action Commission

7938 Tanners Gate Lane, Florence, KY 41042    

By appointment only    : (859) 586-9250

Friday: 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (Jan 17; Mar 23)

NKY Community Action Commission

311 Park St., Falmouth, KY 41040    

By appointment only:     (859) 654-4054

Friday: 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (Jan 23 - Apr 13)

NKY Community Action Commission

432 W. Main St., Warsaw, KY 41095

By appointment only: (859) 567-4660

Friday: 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (Feb 3; Mar 16)

NKY Community Action Commission

134 N. Main St., Williamstown, KY 41097

By appointment only: (859) 824-4768

Mon – Fri: 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (Jan 23 – April 13)

One Stop – Grant County

101 N. Main St. #305, Williamstown, KY 41097

By appointment only: (859) 491-8303,  ext. 2337

Wednesday: 3 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. (Feb 1 - Apr 4)

NKY Community Action Commission

109 S. Madison, Owenton, KY 40359

By appointment only: (502) 484-2116

Friday: 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (Jan 20; Feb 17)

NKY Community Action Commission

1302 Highland Ave, Carrollton, KY 41008

By appointment only: (502) 732-5253

Friday: 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (Feb 10; Mar 9)

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Peg Baldock is the business manager at Center for Great Neighborhoods of Covington at 1650 Russell St. in Covington, Ky.