By Gregg Semanick-New Jersey’s IRS Spokesman
MOUNTAINSIDE NJ – Several Internal Revenue Service Taxpayer Assistance Centers in New Jersey will be expanding service to area taxpayers eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) by opening its doors on three Saturdays. The extra days and hours are being added to help potentially eligible taxpayers who may not be able to seek assistance during the work week.
An expanded Earned Income Tax Credit means larger families will qualify for a larger credit. EITC is for people who work, but have lower incomes, generally less than $48,279 in 2009. If you qualify, it could be worth up to $5,657 in a tax credit this year, depending on your filing status and family size.
In order to assist potentially eligible taxpayers, several IRS offices will be open for SATURDAY hours on Jan. 30, Feb.6 and Feb. 20 from 9am to 2pm in the following New Jersey locations:
Cherry Hill – 57 Haddonfield Road
Edison – 100 Dey Place
Freehold – 4 Paragon Way
Newark – 20 Washington Place
Paramus – 1 Kalisa Way
Parsippany – 1719-C Rte. 10
Paterson – 200 Federal Plaza
Trenton – 44 South Clinton Avenue
Taxpayers who earned less than $49,000 may visit any IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center to file their federal income tax return for FREE. To find the office nearest you, the locations of IRS offices are posted on the home page of the IRS.gov Web site under “Contact IRS” or check your phone directory.
VOLUNTEER INCOME TAX ASSISTANCE (ANOTHER FREE HELP OPTION- IF YOU QUALIFY)
Taxpayers who earned less than $49,000 may take advantage of the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program and have IRS-trained volunteers help them e-file their federal return for free. Each year, the IRS partners with community organizations throughout the United States to provide this service. To find a location nearest you call the IRS at 1-800-906-9887.
FREE FILE ONLINE
EITC-eligible taxpayers also qualify for online Free File where they can use free online tax preparation software that will help them prepare their return and e-file it for FREE. E-file software is the most accurate way to file a return and makes it easy to ensure the taxpayer is claiming the appropriate EITC amount. Go to the IRS.gov Web site at www.irs.gov and access the Free File Program.
For more information about EITC and to find out if you qualify, visit IRS.gov. On the IRS Web site, you’ll find the EITC Assistant, an online tool to help taxpayers determine whether they are eligible for the credit.
