Low income residents may qualify for Earned Income Tax Credit

New Orleans, La. - April 15 may still be a few months away but some qualified New Orleans residents can receive free tax preparation on Saturday as part of Super Tax Day.

Entergy New Orleans, Inc., is partnering with the United Way and Total Community Action to provide free tax prep services and information on the Earned Income Tax Credit to eligible residents. The kick-off event will be held Saturday, Jan. 26 from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. at TCA's headquarters at 1420 S. Jeff Davis Parkway.

For those qualified residents who aren't able to take part in the Super Tax Day event, free tax assistance will be provided from Jan. 30 through April 15 at Volunteer Income Tax Assistance sites. These VITA sites are located throughout the New Orleans metro area. More information on locations and times can be found at www.unitedwaysela.org/eitc or by calling 2-1-1.

A family of at least five with a 2012 household income that was under $50,000 may qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit, which could mean as much as a $5,891 tax credit. Eligible workers can get the EITC only if they file federal income tax returns - even if they are not otherwise required to file - and specifically claim the credit. More information on qualification requirements can be found at www.unitedwaysela.org/eitc.

IRS-certified volunteers will assist in filing returns for qualified residents. These services are provided free of charge by Entergy and other community partners as part of their commitment to helping eligible local residents receive the tax credits they have earned.

"Helping to promote this Super Tax Day event is part of Entergy's efforts to empower our low-income customers to save money, whether by conserving power, managing energy dollars or maximizing tax credits," said Melonie Hall, director of customer service for Entergy New Orleans, Inc. "The IRS estimates that only four out of five eligible workers claim their EITC. We want to help make sure everyone who has earned the credit is able to take advantage of it."

Residents who are seeking free tax assistance should be sure to bring:

  • Photo ID.

  • Social Security Cards (for you, your spouse & dependents).

  • Birth dates (for you, your spouse & dependents).

  • Wage & Earning Forms (all W-2, W-2G, 1099-R Forms).

  • Interest & Dividend Forms (Forms 1099).

  • Total Paid for Day Care (provider''s name and tax ID, if applicable).

  • Bank Routing & Account Numbers (for direct deposit of refund; voided check or bank statement will suffice).

  • Spouse (if married and filing a joint tax return, your spouse must be present).

Entergy New Orleans, Inc. is an electric and gas utility serving Orleans Parish and is a subsidiary of Entergy Corporation. The company provides electricity to more than 160,000 customers and natural gas to more than 100,000 customers in Orleans Parish.

Click here to view Super Tax Day Flyer



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