You Can Help Lift Denver's Hard-Working Low-Income Families Out of Poverty
The City and County of Denver is calling for volunteers, on behalf of the Denver Asset Building Coalition (DABC), to help hard-working low-income families with their tax return preparation. This assistance can help them get tax refunds and is one effort that can help lift Denver's low-income families out of poverty.
You don't need to be an accountant or even a computer whiz to lend a hand - no experience required! The DABC will train you to help file tax returns for Denver's hard-working low-income families. DABC tax law training is offered online in December and January. E-file training to prepare returns using a computer will be provided to all volunteers in January. All training is provided free of charge.
If you are bilingual in Spanish, Russian, or Korean, you would also be a great asset as a volunteer.
Volunteers are asked to commit to at least 24 hours (after training) between January 26 and April 15, 2008. In exchange for your commitment, you can do your family's taxes for free using the latest IRS software at the SuperSite!
In 2008, the Denver Asset Building Coalition will operate a single Free Tax SuperSite at:
The King Trimble Center
2980 Curtis Street
Denver, CO 80205
The DABC will also be supporting some smaller tax site locations within the City and County of Denver.
If you are interested in volunteering, please complete an online application at the DABC website www.DenverABC.org. When completing an application, please put "City of Denver" in the "Referred By" field.
Facts about Earned Income Tax Credit
The Problem: Even with a steady job, many working families are struggling to make ends meet. In addition to having limited income, many of these families are not connected to the "financial mainstream." Some don’t have bank accounts, others may be in debt or have bad credit, and many don’t own a home.
The Solution: The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a powerful work incentive and anti-poverty tool that has benefited millions of low-income families since its inception. The EITC is a refundable credit offered through the Internal Revenue Service to working families that, in 2007, earned less than $39,783.
National estimates indicate that approximately 15% of eligible families do not claim the EITC. Some don’t think they’re eligible. Some families may feel that since they owe too little to have to file that there’s no benefit to them filing at all. Education and free tax preparation are crucial to these families.
The average EITC in Denver last year for families earning less than $38,000 was more than $1,600. This money can make all the difference in remaining financially stable.
For additional information, please visit the DABC website.