City of Glendale - News

Help During Tax Time

Glendale offers free tax preparation to
low-income families

According to the IRS, the city of Glendale has between $4 million to $10 million in Federal Income Tax Credits (EITC) that go unclaimed each year. The EITC was enacted in 1975 to offset federal taxes paid by low-income wage earners. Last year, more than 20 million taxpayers collected more than $36 billion in EITC payments.

In fact, the EITC helps lift more children out of poverty than any other federal aid program. Statewide, EITC filers received more than $27 million in tax year 2003. Nearly half of all Arizona returns claiming the credit had two children in the household.

Where to Get Help

To assist Glendale residents in applying and receiving these funds, three locations throughout the city have been established for free tax preparation services, which will be offered until April 14. The drop-in sites and times are:

• Glendale Community Center, 5401 W. Ocotillo Rd., Mondays and Fridays from 9 – 11 a.m.
• Glendale Light and Life Church, 6331 W. Lamar Rd., Thursdays from 5 – 8 p.m.
• Manistee Manor, located at 7987 N. 53rd Ave., is also offering the service by appointment only.

To schedule an appointment at this location, call (623) 915-5039. For more information about this program, contact the Community Partnerships Department at (623) 930-3686.

Fast Facts About Earned Income Tax Credits

The city of Glendale is partnering once again with Governor Janet Napolitano and other municipalities throughout the state to make the EITC more accessible to those eligible, through an awareness campaign and volunteer tax preparation.

1. What is the EITC?

• Congress established this program in 1975 as a tax rebate for working individuals and families below certain income levels.
• Recipients typically use the tax credit to pay utility and credit card bills, buy clothing for children, and to secure other household needs that would otherwise be deferred, including long-term purchases such as housing and transportation.
• Increases income of individuals and families below the poverty line.
• Lifts more children out of poverty than any other federal program.

2. Why should Glendale get involved?

• Outreach efforts not only increases awareness of the tax credit, but also saves low-earners significant cost ($300 on average) in tax preparation fees, thus maximizing the benefit of the credit to eligible individuals and families.
• Promotes the overall economic health of the community.

3. How did Glendale perform last year?

• Processed more than $2 million in tax returns.
• Processed more than $1 million in tax credits.
• Saved participating residents more than $300,000 in tax preparation fees.
• Served 1500 tax filers – individuals and families combined.

4. Who can get the tax credit for 2005?

• Workers who were raising children in their homes and who earned less than $35,263 can receive up to $4,400.
• Workers raising one child who earned less than $31,030 can receive up to $2,662.
• Workers between ages 25 and 64, who were not raising children in their homes, and who earned less than $11,750 can receive up to $399.

5. Who will make this outreach effort work?

• Approximately 35 residents have taken the necessary training, provided by the IRS, in order to volunteer their time to staff the various EITC sites throughout the city.
• The IRS will provide technical support to Glendale city staff and volunteers throughout the tax season.

FAQS

Is the government going to give me money?

Yes! The Earned Income Credit (EITC) is a special tax benefit only for people who work full- or part-time. If you qualify, you’ll owe less in taxes and you may get cash back. Even if you don’t owe income tax, you can get the EITC.

How do I get the earned income credit?

If you were raising children in your home in 2005, file federal tax form 1040 or 1040A, and attach Schedule EITC.
If you were not raising children in your home in 2005, file tax form 1040, 1040A or 1040EZ with the IRS
Be sure to provide the correct name and Social Security number for each person listed on your tax return.

Are there other tax credits for families?

Yes. Families that earned more than $11,750 in 2005 may also be eligible for a new refund from the Child Tax Credit. To clam the Child Tax Credit, attach IRS Form 8812, “Additional Child Tax Credit,” to your tax return.

What if I don’t know how to file a tax return?

Free help is available. For information about the Earned Income Credit and locations for FREE tax preparation, call the Community Information and Referral Line, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at (602) 263-8856.

What if I haven’t filed a tax return in a long time?

You can still get the EITC. If you were eligible, you can claim the EITC for three years back. Call (602) 263-8856 to find out how. If you owe back taxes, the EITC may lower your tax bill. You may also be able to work out a payment agreement.

Can I get a quick refund with my EITC?

Yes, but quick refunds are loans that charge fees and take away money from your EITC. Remember, free tax help is available. Call (602) 263-8856.

What if I’m not a U.S. citizen?

Many legal immigrants who are employed are eligible for the EITC, including green card holders, refugees, and others legally authorized to work. Getting the credit will not hurt your immigration status.

If I get the EITC, will I lose my public assistance or other benefits?

In Arizona, the EITC does not affect benefits like food stamps, Medicaid, public housing, cash assistance, or Social Security income.

Is there anything else I should know?

Yes, eligible workers can have part of their anticipated EITC for the current year added to their paychecks. Call (602) 263-8856 and ask about the EITC advanced payment option.

For more information on the City of EITC Campaign, call (623) 930-3686 or email: eitc@glendaleaz.com

Preguntas y Respuestas

¿EL GOBIERNO ME VA A DAR DINERO?

¡Sí! El Crédito por Ingreso de Trabajo (EITC, por sus siglas en inglés), es un beneficio fiscal especial para las personas que trabajan a tiempo completo o parcial. Si usted es elegible, reducirá sus impuestos y podría recibir dinero. Y aunque no deba impuestos, usted puede obtener el EITC.

¿QUE TENGO QUEHACER PARA RECIBIR ELCREDITO POR INGRESO DE TRABAJO (EITC)?

Si usted crió niños en su hogar en el 2005, llene el formulario de impuestos federal IRS 1040 o 1040A e incluya el formulario “Schedule EITC”. No llene el formulario IRS 1040EZ.
Si no crió niños en su hogar en el 2002, llene el formulario de impuestos federal IRS 1040, 1040A o el 1040EZ (cualquiera de estos tres)
Asegúrese de proveer en el formulario de impuestos el nombre y número Seguro Social correctos para todas los miembros de su familia.

HAY OTROS CREDITOS DE IMPUESTOS PARA LAS FAMILIAS?

Si. Las Familias que ganan mas de $11,750 en el año 2005, podrian calificar para obtener una devolucíon del Credito de Impuesto del Niño, adjunte la forma 8812 del IRS, el “Credito Adicional de Impuestos del Niño,” a su Declaración Jurada de Impuestos.

¿QUE HAGO SI NECESITO AYUDA PARA LLENAR EL FORMULARIO DE IMPUESTOS?

Hay ayuda gratis disponible. VITA, un programa del IRS, ayuda gratuitamente a aquellos interesados a llenar los formularios de impuestos. Las oficinas de VITA estarán abiertas desde finales de enero hasta el 15 de abril. Para saber cual es la oficina de VITA más cercana a usted, llame al 602-263-8856. Tenga paciencia, pues el número está ocupado con frecuencia.

¿QUE PASA SI HACE MUCHOS AÑOS QUE NO LLENO UNFORMULARIO?

Sí, pero puede que no sea la mejor opción, pues las devoluciones rápidas le restan dinero a su EITC. Recuerde, hay ayuda gratis disponible. Llame al 602-263-8856.

¿QUE PASA SI NO SOY CIUDADANO DE LOS EE.UU.?

Muchos inmigrantes legales que trabajan son elegibles para el EITC, incluyendo a aquellas personas que poseen la tarjeta verde, a refugiados y a otros autorizados legalmente para trabajar. Obtener el crédito no afecta adversamente su estado de inmigración.

¿SI OBTENGO EL EITC, VOY A PERDER MIS CHEQUES DE ASISTENCIA PUBLICA Y DEMAS BENEFICIOS?

En Arizona, recibir el EITC no afecta sus beneficios de cupones de alimentos, Medicaid, vivienda pública, cheques de asistencia o SSI.

¿HAY ALGO MAS QUE DEBO SABER?

Sí. Llame al 602-263-8856 y pregunte por la opción de pago adelantado (“advanced payment option”).

Para más información CAMPAÑA “EITC” DE LA CIUDAD DE GLENDALE:
623-930-3686 o escríbanos a: eitc@glendaleaz.com

Para informes sobre cómo obtener estos créditos fiscales y asistencia sin costo para llenar y mandar su declaración de impuestos, llame Community Info & Referral @ 602-263-8856