As the 2009 tax season continues, the Greater Toledo CASH (Creating Assets, Savings & Hope) Coalition wants to remind residents to take advantage of free tax preparation assistance.

According to the CASH Coalition, 11 Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites provide free tax preparation to working families throughout Lucas County, encouraging many to take advantage of up to $4,824 in earned income tax credits.

“Thousands of folks in Lucas County who are working hard and playing by the rules could receive almost $5,000 this year in additional income just by taking advantage of this program,” said Commissioner Ben Konop. “In this tough economic recession, that’s a significant boost for these families,” stated Konop.

The coalition wants to warn families of the growing influence of so-called “refund anticipation loans” which assess exorbitant fees simply to provide a tax refund that the families could have received at no additional charge.

“With these efforts, we hope to help at least 5,000 Lucas County residents get their taxes prepared for free and put millions of dollars back into taxpayers’ pockets,” said Treasurer Wade Kapszukiewicz. “Local residents simply cannot afford to miss this opportunity.”

The CASH Coalition is a partnership of Lucas County Commissioner Ben  Konop, Lucas County Treasurer Wade Kapszukiewicz, United Way of Greater Toledo several local banks, credit unions and non-profit organizations..

The Earned Income Tax Credit, established in the early 1970s, is a refundable federal income tax credit for low to middle-income working individuals and families that brings federal resources back into pockets of Lucas County residents.

For more information or to schedule a free tax preparation appointment, residents are encouraged  to call 2-1-1. 

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