Free tax assistance available for most households earning less than $60,000 annually
Tax season is quickly approaching, and thousands of Ohioans will soon begin the filing process to ensure that they receive their refunds. To save taxpayers a little extra money this year, when individuals and families can use every extra dollar, Next Step Ministry, an outreach of EUM Church is partnering with the Ohio Association of Second Harvest Food banks (OASHF) to help low and moderate income Ohioans obtain free Federal and State income tax return assistance and to identify if they are eligible for other work support benefits.
Free tax assistance is provided through The Ohio Benefit Bank (OBB), an Internet-based, service that connects low-and-moderate-income Ohioans to potential work supports, such as health care coverage, home energy assistance, child care subsidies and food assistance .
Eligible individuals can obtain free tax assistance by visiting The OBB website at www.ohiobenefits.org. The website is designed , not only to help individuals and families prepare and electronically file their taxes, but also enables Ohioans to claim all credits for which they are eligible at no cost, as well as review potential eligibility for other community supports. If clients choose to use direct deposit, they can receive their refund in as few as seven to ten days.
Trained counselors at Benefit Bank sites and clinics throughout the state will help Ohioans prepare and file their tax returns at no cost if they meet the income eligibility requirement of less than $60,000 per year in household income. If eligible, clients can also claim the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), as a special tax refund program for working families and individuals.
“Too many Ohio tax payers miss out on receiving free tax assistance each year just because either they don’t know it’s available or they don’t know where to get this valuable service,” said Kristy Cutarelli, Coordinator for Next Step Ministry. “In addition, at least one in every four taxpayers eligible for the EITC fails to claim the credit, which is why the Next Step Ministry is urging residents to come and visit our location to learn more so they don’t miss out on potential benefits and tax savings this year.”
Each year, more than $1.7 billion dollars in tax credits and other supports go unclaimed by eligible Ohioans who do not apply for it. More than 95 percent of these unclaimed funds are federal dollars. Claiming these dollars will bring more federal money to Ohio, therefore helping to boost the state’s economy.
For more information contact Next Step Ministry at 937-548-3211 extension 235. Next Step Ministry is located at 501 Gray Avenue in Greenville, Ohio.
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