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Denton, Texas (March 23, 2010):  It could pay to know if you qualify for a tax credit that the IRS says could put more than $5,650 into your pocket.

Called the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), it's available to many low- to moderate-income individuals and families that earn less than $49,000 annually.

Nationally, the IRS estimates that 25 percent of eligible taxpayers are unaware they qualify for the credit. And as income changes qualify even more people for the EITC, that percentage is expected to rise. In addition, working families with three or more children may qualify to get more money due to recent tax law changes.

Getting Help With Taxes

How can you tell if you or your family qualifies for the EITC? The VITA program, or Volunteer Income Tax Assistance, offers free tax preparation by trained and certified tax preparers at the North Branch Library on a first-come, first-served basis. A collaboration of United Way of Denton County and the Financial Stability Partnership, the VITA service is available to anyone whose total income was less than $50,000 for taxpayer year 2009.
There are five more VITA sites open to the public between now and April 15th. Dates and times are:

• Saturday, March 27th from 9:30am to 1pm
• Tuesday, March 30th from 5pm to 8pm
• Saturday, April 3rd from 9:30am to 1pm
• Tuesday, April 6th from 5pm to 8pm
• Saturday, April 10th from 9:30am to 1pm

For more information on the VITA program, what forms and documentation to bring with you, and what restrictions might apply, visit http://www.unitedwaydenton.org/income-stability.html

United Way of Denton County is working to advance the common good by focusing on education, income and health – the building blocks for a good life. Through the work of our partner agencies, it is our goal to: help families have financial stability, build healthy communities and help children and youth achieve their potential.