Earned Income Tax Credit

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has designated January 29, 2010 as National EITC Awareness Day. The Clinton & Essex County Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Coalition has established Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites throughout our two-county service delivery area to provide “free tax preparation” to individuals and families with low or moderate incomes. Household incomes of $42,000 or less may be eligible. “People may be missing out on a federal refund of up to $5,657.00 because they are not aware of the Earned Income Tax Credit” said John Bernardi, Executive Director of the United Way. “Our Coalition, in partnership with the Franklin County Coalition, is working hard to promote the service and reach eligible people and families throughout the region”. The IRS estimates up to one in four eligible taxpayers may fail to claim the credit.

Trained volunteers will be at each site to electronically file returns for low or moderate income residents, even if they do not qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit.

E-Filing provides; faster refunds, electronic payment options, less chance of error and proof of acceptance within 48-hours. VITA sites and schedules are listed below.

Coalition members include: United Way, OneWorkSource, Adirondack Community Action Programs, Inc. (ACAP), Senior Citizens Council of Clinton County, Office for the Aging in both counties, Department of Social Services in both counties, Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) in both counties, Family Welcome Center of CVES, Cornell Cooperative Extension, Ufirst Federal Credit Union, American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), Joint Council for Economic Opportunity, Inc. (JCEO), Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

Clinton County VITA Sites:

Senior Citizens Council (Walk-ins are welcome)

5139 North Catherine Street, Plattsburgh, NY 12901

Feb.- Mon, Tue, Fri, & Sat 9am-2pm, Wed &Thu 9am-6pm (No service on 2/15)

Mar.- Fri & Sat 9am-2pm, Wed & Thu 9am-6pm

Apr.(1^st-15^th)- Fri 9am-2pm, Wed& Thu 9am-6pm

Essex County VITA Sites:

By appointment: 1-800-675-2668

OneWorkSource in Elizabethtown

(Appointments may also be held at the St. Patrick’s Parish Center and The Sherman Free Library in Port Henry)

Lake Placid Public Library- By Appointment, 523-3200

2471 Main Street, Lake Placid, NY 12946

United Way of the Adirondack Region, Inc. * 45 Tom Miller Road * Plattsburgh, NY 12901