Free tax filing assistance is available starting this Thursday for low-income taxpayers who qualify for the federal Earned Income Tax Credit, or EITC.
The tax credit, which this year can be worth as much as $4,800, is designed to put more money into the pockets of low-income workers. Because it is refundable, it can increase the size of a individual or family's refund, reduce the amount of taxes owed or even generate a refund even for those who had no federal income tax withheld from their paycheck.
But as many as one in four taxpayers who are eligible for the credit fail to claim the free money, the IRS estimates. That's why the agency arranges for community volunteers to offer filing assistance to those who may qualify for the credit each year. Tax assistance this Thursday and Friday is available in Salt Lake City, Kaysville, Ogden, Logan, and St. George. For information about the free help and what documents you need to bring with you and whether you need to make an appointment or simply walk in at various locations, dial 211.