CLEARFIELD – Central Pennsylvania Community Action is pleased to announce that they will again be sponsoring the Clearfield County Money In Your Pocket Program. Money In Your Pocket is an Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Program promoted by the Internal Revenue Service and involves volunteers helping community members who cannot afford professional tax assistance. EITC is a federal income tax credit for low and moderate income working families and individuals. This credit can increase the amount of the refund or reduce the amount of taxes owed. Seventy percent of Clearfield County residents who are eligible for Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) paid a tax preparer to file their annual return. Some families can pay as much as $300 for tax preparation including special offers and quick return of refunds.
Money In Your Pocket will prepare tax returns free of charge for families and individuals earning $49,000 or less. This program will keep these individuals from paying some of the high costs associated with paying a preparer and participating in the rapid anticipation loans. Last year, Money In Your Pocket completed over 300 tax returns, bringing over $125,353 in EITC payments to Clearfield County. That is money that is earned here and kept here. Trained Volunteer Tax Assistors explain the many special credits and deductions available and how people may claim them on their tax returns. Volunteers will help individuals complete and electronically file their returns – all for free. Refunds can be received in as little as 7 days with a bank direct deposit.
Six VITA sites will be available in Clearfield County this year to provide free tax preparation. Locations include Curwensville, Philipsburg, Clearfield, Falls Creek, DuBois, and Irvona.
If you would like more information about the Clearfield County Money In Your Pocket Campaign please contact Gail Webster at Central Pennsylvania Community Action, 765-1551 or 800-822-2610.