February 4, 2015 — The Lorain County Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Coalition is helping individuals and families save money by providing free tax preparation and access to tax credits through different programs across Greater Lorain County.

The goal of this coalition is to offer an alternative to paid preparers for low and moderate-income workers. Families and individuals can avoid paying filing fees by using one of the Coalition's many tax preparation sites located throughout Greater Lorain County.

There are eight sites strategically chosen throughout the county to ensure accessibility to all and appointments or walk-in requests can be made by calling 2-1-1. Volunteers certified through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program are available to aid in tax preparation at all sites.

In addition to on-going appointments and walk-ins throughout the tax season, there will also be several Super Saturdays held in February. These will be opportunities for individuals to have their taxes prepared on a walk-in basis.

Super Saturday locations include the on Feb. 7 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and the LCCC Lorain Branch on Feb. 14 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., LCCC Wellington Branch on Feb. 21 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., on Feb. 28 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and the on Feb. 28 from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Lorain County EITC Coalition specifically helps low and moderate-income families and individuals who, in general, made about $60,000 or less in 2014. The coalition partners with others, including AARP and the Ohio Benefit Bank, to offer additional services to individuals who may have a higher income or additional circumstances that may not qualify for EITC. The 2-1-1 First Call for Help hotline has updated information regarding these programs throughout the tax season.

The coalition also works to bring awareness to the EITC. Enacted by Congress in 1975, EITC is a refundable tax credit that increases the income of low and moderate-income working families through the provision of tax reductions and wage supplements.

"The Lorain County EITC Coalition partners were able to bring about two million dollars back into Lorain County last year," said Lorain County EITC Coalition member, Christine Matusik-Plas. "We are excited to continue offering these resources to the community this tax season."

The coalition is funded through a grant provided by the Internal Revenue Service and is being led by United Way of Greater Lorain County. Other partners include El Centro de Servicios Sociales, Elyria Public Library System, Lorain County Community College, Lorain County Volunteer Connection, Lorain Metropolitan Housing Authority, Lorain Public Library System, Oberlin Community Services, Ohio Business College and Ohio Means Jobs Lorain County.

More information on Lorain County Free Tax Prep and what to bring to your appointment or walk-in can be found at www.loraincountyfreetaxprep.org or by calling 2-1-1 or (800) 275-6106.