Newsroom > DHHS News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 5, 2008

CONTACTS
Dianna Seiffert, Communications and Legislative Services, 402-471-1695, dianna.seiffert@dhhs.ne.gov
Mary Beth Rathe, Community Action of Nebraska, 402-471-3714

Lincoln—Tax season is here, and the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) wants to make sure that you get what you deserve, in the way of earned income tax credit, that is.

"We want to help Nebraska families get the tax credits they deserve," said Todd Landry, Director of the Division of Children and Family Services. "That’s why DHHS works with community organizations to provide free tax preparation assistance to low income individuals and families under the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) program."

The EITC is a refundable tax credit for low to moderate income workers. Many people who are eligible are not even aware of the credit or that they may receive assistance in preparing their tax return.

Every year volunteers are available at established tax sites across the state to assist with tax preparation. These volunteers are IRS-certified, and the tax assistance they provide is free to eligible people. To find a location near you, or, if you have eligibility questions, call 2-1-1 ( in available counties) or 1-877-557-2200.

"Earned income tax credit can be claimed by a wide range of people," said Mary Beth Rathe, Community Action of Nebraska, "from child-less singles making less than $12,590 a year to married couples with two or more children making less than $39,783 annually. It’s based on income and filing status."

Federal tax credits include:

• Earned Income Tax Credit – up to $4,716
• Child Tax Credit – up to $1,000 per child
• Child and Dependent Care Tax Credits – up to $2,100

EITC program partners include: DHHS; the American Association of Retired Persons’ Tax-Aide program; Community Action of Nebraska; EITC Coalition (Omaha); EITC Coalition (Lincoln); Human Services Federation; the Internal Revenue Service; the Nebraska Department of Revenue; the Federal Reserve Bank - Omaha Branch; the University of Nebraska - Lincoln Student Learning; the Nebraska Children and Families Foundation; and the United Way of the Midlands. For more information visit: www.canhelp.org/EITC.htm.

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