Consumer, Utility and Tax News
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. Volunteers will be available to assist in filing tax returns on Saturday, February 6, 2010, from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm at the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh's Main Branch in Oakland. An appointment is required; call 1-888-443-4615 to schedule.
Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) National 800 Number - We are fast approaching tax season and The Legal Aid Society of Orange County (LASOC) is gearing up to launch 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).
Pennsylvania Property Tax or Rent Rebate Program for Tax Year 2009 - forms to file for the rebate for the 2009 tax year are now available from the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue website. Please note that the deadline for filing for a rebate for the 2009 is June 30, 2010.
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. You can contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to locate the nearest VITA site.
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.
Free Tax assistance for low-income working people - Just Harvest is providing free tax assistance for simple federal, state and local tax returns. Call 412-431-8964 to schedule an appointment.
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.
Main Office: 928 Penn Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15222-3799
Telephone: (412) 255-6700
Toll-Free: 1-866-761-6572
Fax: (412) 355-0168
