ASSEMBLYMAN MURRAY: MANY MAY OVERLOOK VALUABLE TAX CREDIT

ASSEMBLYMAN MURRAY: MANY MAY OVERLOOK VALUABLE TAX CREDIT

EARNED INCOME TAX CREDIT MAY RESULT IN REFUND OF UP TO $5,600; FREE INCOME TAX PREPARATION AVAILABLE AT SEVERAL LOCAL LOCATIONS

MEDFORD, NY---NYS Assemblyman Dean Murray today announced that many individuals could be eligible for a special tax credit this year that they are unaware of. As a result, they may overlook claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), which can put anywhere from $2 to $5,600 in their pockets.
People move in and out of EITC eligibility based on changes in their earnings, their parental status or their marital status. According to Assemblyman Murray, “many people will qualify for the first time this year due to changes in their incomes.”
Assemblyman Murray encourages anyone who earned $48,362 or less in wages, is self-employed or employed by the farming industry in 2010 to see if they qualify. Eligible workers can get their EITC only if they file federal income tax returns – even if they are not otherwise required to file – and specifically claim the credit. The IRS estimates only four out of five eligible workers claim their EITC.
"Taxpayers have several choices for free help determining their EITC eligibility and claiming the credit," said Assemblyman Murray. "Many organizations in our community have volunteer income tax assistance sites.” To locate a site, call the IRS at 1-800-906-9887. Help also is available at IRS Taxpayer Assistance Centers. Locations are online at www.irs.gov.
To help accurately determine their EITC eligibility and prepare their returns, individuals should bring:
• Photo proof of identification;
• Social Security cards for themselves, their spouse and 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 last year’s 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; and
• To electronically file their returns and get the fastest refunds, both spouses must be present to sign joint returns.
“EITC is a financial boost for working people hit by hard economic times. This is money that can make their lives a little easier, especially families with three or more children who get an extra boost with a larger credit this year,” said Assemblyman Murray.
For more information on eligibility, please visit http://www.eitc.irs.gov/central/main
Free income tax preparation is available locally for those who qualify through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program at the following locations:


Patchogue-Medford Library 54-60 East Main Street Patchogue, NY 11772 (631) 654-4700
South Country Library 22 Station Road Bellport, NY 11713 (631) 286-2143
Longwood Public Library 800 Middle Country Road Middle Island, NY 11953 (631) 924-7755
Mastic-Moriches-Shirley Community Library 407 William Floyd Parkway Shirley, NY 11967 (631) 399-1511