Agencies again offer free tax service

Van Wert independent/Benefit Bank info

Tax season has rolled around again, and thousands of Ohioans will soon begin the filing process to ensure that they receive their refunds as soon as possible. To save taxpayers a little extra money again this year, especially during tough economic conditions, United Way of Van Wert County is partnering with the Ohio Association of Second Harvest Food banks (OASHF) to help low-and moderate-income Ohioans obtain free federal and state income tax return assistance and to identify if they are eligible for other work support benefits.

Free tax assistance is provided through the Ohio Benefit Bank (OBB), an online service that connects Ohioans to potential work supports, such as health care coverage, home energy assistance, child care subsidies, and food assistance.

Eligible individuals can obtain free tax assistance by visiting the OBB website at www.ohiobenefits.org.  The website is designed, not only to help individuals and families prepare and electronically file their taxes, but also enables Ohioans to claim all credits for which they are eligible at no cost, as well as review potential eligibility for other community supports. If clients choose, they can have their refund directly deposited to their bank account.

Trained counselors at Benefit Bank sites and clinics throughout the state will help Ohioans prepare and file their tax returns at no cost if they meet the income eligibility requirement of less than $60,000 per year in household income. If eligible, clients can also claim the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), a special tax refund program for working families and individuals.

“Many Ohio taxpayers miss out on receiving free tax assistance each year because they don’t know it’s available or they don’t know where to get this valuable service,” said United Way Executive Director Deb Russell.

In addition, at least one in every four taxpayers eligible for the EITC fail to claim the credit, which is why the United Way of Van Wert County is urging residents to call the United Way office at 419.238.6689 to see if they meet the requirements for this service. The United Way will make an appointment for those who qualify.

The Van Wert clinic will be held Saturday, February 26, at the Council on Aging, 220 Fox Road in Van Wert. The first appointments are being scheduled at 10 a.m. through 3 p.m. Those wanting to participate must have an appointment. No walk-ins will be served. Don’t miss out on potential benefits and tax savings this year.

The computer software cannot support a return if:

• Household adjusted gross income (AGI) is higher than $60,000
• A person is a statutory employee or a business owner that must file a Schedule C
• A person or spouse is a dual-status or non-resident alien
• Income is received from farm or rental properties
• A person is a member of the clergy

If one has to make of the following payments:

• Penalty for underpayment of estimated tax
• Alternative minimum tax
• Household employment tax

When clients come for their appointment, they must bring:

A copy of their 2009 tax return  (those who don’t have one should call 800.829.1040 and get their 2009 Adjusted Gross Income amount)

• All W-2(s) and/or 1099
• Their social security number
• 2009/2010 filing status (single, married, married filing separate, etc.)
• 2009/2010 number of exemptions claimed
• Those claiming children on their return need to bring birth dates and social security numbers for all
• Those getting a refund and want direct deposit need to bring account information
• Those who had the OBB do their taxes last year will need to bring their log-in name and password

Each year, more than $1.7 billion in tax credits and other supports go unclaimed by eligible Ohioans who do not apply for it. More than 95 percent of these unclaimed funds are federal dollars. Claiming these dollars will bring more federal money to Ohio, therefore helping to boost the state and local economy.

For more information, visit www.OBB.Ohio.Gov.