Mayor's Office Website Provides Appeal Information for Allegheny County Reassessments
Even though the City of Pittsburgh and the Pittsburgh Public Schools will be using the old assessments for the 2012 tax bills, the deadline for filing an appeal of the new assessments which will be used next year is coming soon. A request for an informal review must be made by February 15, 2012, and a formal appeal must be filed by April 2, 2012. More information is available on the Mayor's website, and information will be posted about the free legal assistance once that is available.
LIHEAP beings processing Crisis Grants for Terminations
Effective February 1, 2012, LIHEAP begins processing crisis payments for customers of regulated utilities that are issued valid termination notices dated February 1, 2012 or later.
LIHEAP opens on November 1, 2011
The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, also known as LIHEAP, helps low-income families pay their heating bills. LIHEAP is a grant that offers assistance in the form of a cash grant, sent directly to the utility company, or a crisis grant for households in immediate danger of being without heat. Interested persons are encouraged to apply for LIHEAP as early as possible this year as funding is at a very low level. Applicants can apply on-line using COMPASS or can print a paper application and turn in the completed application to their local county assistance office.
Comcast's Internet Essentials Program
Comcast now offers a program for low cost internet service to households with children who receive free lunches at school. The program provides internet service for $9.95 per month plus tax with no activation fee, a computer for $149.99 plus tax, and free internet training. Call toll-free at 1-855-8-INTERNET (1-855-846-8376) to enroll or visit www.InternetEssentials.com for more information.
Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) National 800 Number
We are in the midst of the tax season and The Legal Aid Society of Orange County (LASOC) has launched the new Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) National 800 number. This national number will give callers a 30 second listing of eligibility requirements for the EITC and then will prompt you for your zip code. Once the zip code is entered you will be routed to a free local tax preparer. Call toll-free 1-888-4-EITC-4U (1-888-434-8248).
I-CAN! E-File
a free online system that allows low-income people file federal taxes and apply for the EITC on-line. Pennsylvania residents can also use it to file their state income tax returns. For more information, go to www.icanefile.org or call 1-888-434-8248.
Pennsylvania Property Tax or Rent Rebate Program for Tax Year 2011
forms to file for the rebate for the 2010 tax year are now available from the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue website. Please note that the deadline for filing for a rebate for the 2011 is currently June 30, 2012.
Free Tax Preparation Help Available
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program provides free tax help to low-income persons who cannot prepare their own tax returns. Many of these sites also offer electronic filing which can have the refund in your bank account within a week without having to pay for a rapid refund or instant loan. V.I.T.A. services will be offered during the 2012 tax season in the City-County Building on the 2nd Floor. Please use the Ross Street side elevators. Services will be offered Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. starting Monday, January 30, 2012 until Tuesday, April 17, 2012. You can also contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to locate additional VITA sites.
Taxpayer Advocate Service
If you’re experiencing problems with the Internal Revenue Service, you may be able to get help from the Taxpayer Advocate Service. Call the toll-free case intake line at 1-877-ASK-TAS1. You can also visit TAS online at www.IRS.gov/advocate. The number for the Pittsburgh office is 412-395-5987.
Earned Income Tax Credit
many individuals and families who are eligible for this tax credit fail to claim it on their income tax form or do not bother to file for it.
IRS
introduces a new publication 4705, Tax Relief for Struggling Homeowners.
Child Tax Credit (CTC)
The CTC is a federal tax credit worth up to $1000 per child for families with children under age 17. The CTC is refundable for families earning more than $11,750. Eligible persons can receive the CTC by filing federal income tax form 8812. For more information on the CTC call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 or visit www.irs.gov.
PA Tax Back Program
Low to moderate-income Pennsylvanians may owe no state income taxes or only partial tax. Through the PA Tax Back program, workers below a certain income level (varies based on number in household) could get tax money back from the state. To apply, you must file the state income tax form (PA-40) and include PA Schedule SP. For more information contact the PA Department of Revenue at 1-800-362-2050 or visit www.revenue.state.pa.us.
Free Income Tax Help
University of Pittsburgh School of Law Tax Clinic offers free legal help to income-eligible clients on income tax problems.
