February 10, 2016 — The Lorain County Free Tax Prep 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 or by utilizing MyFreeTaxes.com.

There are two dozen sites strategically chosen throughout the county to ensure accessibility. By calling 2-1-1 or (800) 275-6106, taxpayers can obtain information about sites, hours of operation, and required documents. 2-1-1 is also able to schedule appointments for many sites. Trained, IRS-certified volunteers prepare income taxes at no charge with professionalism and confidentiality.

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

Super Saturday locations include the on Feb. 6 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and the LCCC Lorain Branch on Feb. 13 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Elyria Public Library West River Branch on Feb. 20 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., LCCC Lorain Branch on Feb. 27 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and the Main Branch on March 5 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This year, each Super Saturday event will also include financial education resources through partnerships with many local banks.

The Lorain County Free Tax Prep Coalition specifically helps low and moderate-income families and individuals who, in general, made about $60,000 or less in 2015. Some coalition partners, including AARP, are able to offer services to those who may have a higher income or additional circumstances. 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 Earned Income Tax Credit (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 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 AARP Tax-Aide, Dollar Bank, El Centro de Servicios Sociales, Elyria Public Library System, FirstMerit Bank, IRS SPEC, Lorain County Community College, Lorain County Volunteer Connection, Lorain Metropolitan Housing Authority, Lorain Public Library System, Oberlin Community Services, Ohio Business College, Ohio Means Jobs, PNC Bank, and Salvation Army (Oberlin Service Unit).

More information on the Lorain County Free Tax Prep Coalition and a list of 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.