With tax season upon us, government leaders are urging low to middle income workers to apply for the "earned income tax credit."
The IRS estimates 15 to 20 percent of eligible workers do not claim the credit, most because they don't know about it.
The annual earned income tax credit campaign was launched this morning at United Way headquarters. Among those in attendance was Central Kentucky's congressman. U.S. Representative Ben Chandler says the tax credit can help people move toward the middle class, which is important to our country's stability.
Families who earned below $49,000 last year are eligible for the credit. Nearly 400,000 Kentuckians claimed the credit last tax season, amounting to $876million in benefits. The average award was 2,200.00.
The state has set up a list of free tax preparation sites across the state. For more information, you can log onto
http://assistance.ky.gov/.
In addition, beginning Jan. 17 Kentuckians living in central and northern Kentucky areas can dial 2-1-1 to find information on free tax preparation sites near them. Counties who can access 2-1-1 include Anderson, Boone, Bourbon, Bullitt, Campbell, Carroll, Clark, Fayette, Grant, Henry, Jefferson, Jessamine, Kenton, Madison, Montgomery, Nelson, Oldham, Scott, Shelby, Spencer, Trimble and Woodford.
For information about tax preparation sites outside the 2-1-1 calling area, taxpayers may call Community Action Kentucky at (800) 456-3452.
