United Way of Miami-Dade is helping individuals and families who qualify, access to free tax preparation and filing services

With tax season underway, United Way of Miami-Dade is helping individuals and families who qualify access to free tax preparation and filing services, as well as inform consumers on eligibility requirements for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and other tax credits, through which they can receive up to $5,751. Ask yourself the following questions to see if you are eligible:

• Did you live with three or more children in 2011 and earn less than $43,998 ($49,078 if married filing jointly)? If so, you could receive a tax refund of up to $5,751 back. File Form 1040 or 1040A and attach Schedule EITC.
  
• Did you live with two or more children in 2011 and earn less than $40,964 ($46,044 if married filing jointly)? If so, you could receive a tax refund of up to $5,112 back. File Form 1040 or 1040A and attach Schedule EITC.
• Did you live with one child in 2011 and earn less than $36,052 ($41,132 if married filing jointly)? If so, you could receive a tax refund of up to $3,094 back. File Form 1040 or 1040A and attach Schedule EITC.
• Did you earn less than $13,660 ($18,740 if married filing jointly) in 2011and live in a home without children? If you are between the ages of 25 and 64, you can receive a tax refund of up to $464 back. File Form 1040 or 1040A or 1040EZ.

To qualify, you must be a U.S. citizen or resident alien with a valid Social Security number.

Free tax preparation services provided by IRS-certified VITA/TCE volunteer preparers are available to those who qualify through various programs in our community such as:

• Access Miami
• Prosperity Campaign
• VITA

For a list of site locations, or to locate a site near you, call 211 or click here for the list online.

When you visit a free tax preparation site, be sure to bring:

• W-2 and 1099 forms you received from your employer
• Information on any other income you received during the previous tax year
• Information about any deductions or credits you may wish to claim
• A copy of your 2010 tax return
• Your Social Security card, and that of your spouse and dependents
• Photo identification for yourself, your spouse and all adults appearing on the tax return
• A voided check (You will get your refund faster if you have it deposited directly into your bank account. Just bring along a voided check or ask your tax preparer to help you open a bank account, if you don’t already have one.)

If you don't have time to visit a site you can arrange for a representative to come to your place of employment. Contact the Prosperity Campaign to make an appointment or get more information: (305) 576-5001 x-34 or visit www.prosperitycampaign.org.

If you would like to file your own taxes online for free, go to any one of these three resources:

 

IRS
I-Can (Available in Spanish and has no income cap)

If you are interested in paving a path to long-term economic independence, consider the United Way Center for Financial Stability. The Center provides working individuals and families with a full range of services such as credit and debt counseling, financial coaching, employment assistance and free tax preparation for those who qualify. You can get on the road to achieving financial stability and independence today.

United Way Center for Financial Stability
11500 Northwest 12 Avenue
Miami, Florida 33168-6217
Phone: (305) 688-3551
Fax: (305) 688-3556
www.miamifinancialstability.org

 

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