There’s Still Time to Claim It! as Tax Day Approaches

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Kristin Gast
Greater Twin Cities United Way
612-340-7469 (office)
612-730-0485 (cell)
gastk@unitedwaytwincities.org

Stacy Opitz
AccountAbility Minnesota
651-287-0187, x120 (office)
651-329-8227 (cell)
sopitz@accountabilitymn.org

There’s Still Time to Claim It! as Tax Day Approaches

 Sites offering free tax preparation are open through April 18

MINNEAPOLIS – March 18 – Though many people may have already filed their taxes this season, for Minnesotans who have yet to submit returns, the process is easy to put off until the last minute. However, with less than one month to go in this year’s season, time is quickly passing by to submit returns on time. Thankfully, there are organizations that can help. Many limited-income Minnesotans are eligible for free tax preparation which can ensure receipt of every deserved credit. However, many individuals who are eligible for free services are still paying commercial preparers.

Enter Claim it!, a community-wide partnership that encourages individuals and families to use free tax prep sites and claim the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). EITC is a federal income tax credit for low-income, working individuals and families. By claiming EITC, Minnesotans can increase their federal income tax refunds from $2 to more than $5,666 and over the past five years, claiming EITC has brought more than $1 billion into the greater Twin Cities region.

“Taking advantage of free tax preparation is crucial now because those who qualify for EITC may be eligible for other similar credits on their state or local income tax,” states Andrea Ferstan, Greater Twin Cities United Way basic needs manager. “With more than 250 tax preparation sites across Minnesota, more filers should use free tax preparation to their benefit.”

There’s still plenty of time to file taxes, even in this last month of the season. “With the traffic at tax preparation sites slowing down in March before picking back up in April, it’s an optimal time for families and individuals to file their taxes for free and claim the credits they’ve earned,” explains Tracy Fischman, AccountAbility Minnesota executive director. “Taxes are prepared by hundreds of volunteers who have been trained and certified by the IRS to help Minnesotans file correctly and on time.”

Greater Twin Cities United Way and AccountAbility Minnesota collaborate with other organizations for Claim It!, a community-wide partnership designed to increase earnings for working individuals and families. United Way and Accountability Minnesota experts say navigating the tax filing process can be difficult; however, resources are available to assist in free tax preparation and determining tax credit eligibility. For more information, including who qualifies for tax credits and free tax preparation assistance or what to bring to an appointment, call United Way 2-1-1 (simply dial 2-1-1 from a landline) or 651-291-0211 from a cell phone.

In addition to offering free tax preparation, AccountAbility Minnesota offers other financial services, such as free savings accounts, low-cost prepaid debit cards, free benefits screening, free credit reports and one-on-one financial planning.  

About AccountAbility Minnesota

AccountAbility Minnesota helps hard-working, low-income taxpayers move towards economic security by providing free tax and financial services. The organization was created 39 years ago by a group of social-justice minded accountants committed to ensuring that one’s ability to receive tax assistance – and related financial services – should not depend solely on one’s ability to pay. Over the years, it has expanded its work by integrating access to affordable financial services, helping to build the capacity of other organizations providing these services, and utilizing its experiences to advance policies and practices that directly benefit the people it serves. In 2010, AccountAbility Minnesota and its partners across the state helped 20,000 taxpayers receive $35.8 million in tax refunds.

About Greater Twin Cities United Way

Greater Twin Cities United Way addresses our community’s most critical issues through the Agenda for Lasting Change – 10 measurable goals to create pathways out of poverty. We partner with business, government and nonprofit organizations to create lasting solutions and carry out our call-to-action to LIVE UNITED by encouraging everyone to Give. Advocate. Volunteer. Greater Twin Cities United Way is an independent organization serving Anoka, Carver, Chisago, Dakota, Hennepin, Isanti, Ramsey, Scott and western Washington counties. Join the movement. LIVE UNITED. For more information visit www.unitedwaytwincities.org or call (612) 340-7400.

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