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To the Editor:
In today’s economy more people are looking to squeeze every
dollar out of their tax returns. Unfortunately, they find
themselves in an environment in which tax filing can be
confusing and difficult. What’s worse, all too many tax
filing services require fees and many offer Refund
Anticipation Loans which strip millions in fees each year
from the earned-income tax credits paid to working parents
ultimately reducing the amount of their tax return. Now more
than ever, people are looking for ways to get the most out
of every dollar they earn. Organizations like the James C.
Caldwell Community Center (JCCCC) have found a way to help
using The Benefit Bank (OBB), a counselor assisted,
web-based program that connects low-to-moderate income wage
earners with access to tax credits and public benefits.
Clients with household incomes of less than $57,000 can come
to the JCCCC to file a tax return for free and walk out with
more of their return in their pocket and more than just a
tax refund.
Counselors will work with clients to get the most out of
their tax-filing experience and uncover tax credits such as
the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
that many eligible workers miss every year simply because
they do not know they qualify, do not know how to claim the
credits or do not know where to find free tax-filing
assistance.
In addition, The Benefit Bank can help identify eligibility
for and complete applications for public
benefits such as heating assistance, prescription drug cost
assistance, child care subsidies and the Supplemental
Nutrition Assistance Program (formerly Food Stamps). Each
available dollar and every available public benefit can be
significant in bringing individuals and families back from
the brink of despair.
Sincerely,
James M. Caldwell, President/CEO
James C. Caldwell Community Center
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