Free tax preparation scheduled

STAUNTON — A group of area nonprofit leaders is working to put more money into low-income workers’ pockets.

The growing Earned Income Tax Credit Coalition held its second meeting Wednesday to discuss plans to spread the word about earned income and child tax credits.

“I think we’ve really gotten the ball rolling,” said Anna Leavitt, coordinator of the Community Action Partnership of Staunton and Waynesboro. “Once you learn about [the credits], you can’t help but want to get the word out.”

The group will distribute flyers and bag stuffers as well as seek to reach workers through Facebook and radio announcements.

By claiming the credits, area workers could receive up to $5,600 back from the IRS if they worked during part of 2009, make less than $48,000 annually and file a 2009 return.

The credits give more money to workers who need it most, Leavitt said.

“It has the potential to provide peace of mind, which is invaluable,” she said. “It helps working people continue to work, who could use some extra money.”

Paula Homes, business opportunity center coordinator for Goodwill’s North region, said the extra cash could help her clients.

“I work with a lot of folks who would be eligible,” she said. “It could pay for food, rent, medications, everyday needs. It also helps instill a sense of work ethic and pride, because it’s income-earned by working, not a handout.”

The group also set expanding availability of free tax preparation sites in the area as a goal for next tax season.

“We’re hoping not to compete with existing sites, but open sites at additional hours to serve more people,” Leavitt said.

John Whitfield, representative of Blue Ridge Legal Services, a legal aide organization, said he hopes the coalition can help steer taxpayers away from “rapid-refund places,” which pocket portions of taxpayers’ tax refunds in exchange for offering the money instantly.

“So many of these places that offer tax services make money with rapid-refund loans with high interest rates,” he said. “They take a huge chunk of money for a loan that may only last two weeks.”

The coalition will meet again at 10 a.m. Feb. 23 at the Goodwill business office in Staunton.