CRC and VITA Team to Provide Free Income Tax Preparation

Once again the Cincinnati Recreation Commission is partnering with the United Way of Greater Cincinnati to help prepare citizen’s income tax returns at no cost.

Local families can get a leg up on tax season by taking advantage of FREE in-person tax prep at one of 3 CRC locations; the Madisonville, Millvale, and North Avondale recreation centers. Volunteers are trained through the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)  Program to offer free tax help for taxpayers who qualify.

In addition to free preparation and e-filing, they'll get help determining eligibility for and claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). The Regional earned income tax credit initiative helps low and moderate income workers avoid tax prep fees and get money back fast!

The Internal Revenue Service estimates that only four of five eligible taxpayers claim and get their EITC. That's as much as $5,751 into the pockets of a family with three or more children. It is the largest federal program benefiting low-earning workers. Last year, the effort throughout the Greater Cincinnati Area prepared more than 16,553 returns, resulting in more than $19 million coming back to our community and providing a financial boost for working people in a recovering economy.

If you worked in 2011 and earned between $49,078 (married filing jointly with three or more children) and $13,660 (single with no children) you may be eligible

Most CRC tax preparation dates are on Saturdays and will run from 9AM until 1Pm