Free Tax Preparation Sites Open City-Wide

Baltimore, MD.Congressman Elijah Cummings, Mayor Sheila Dixon, Comptroller Peter Franchot, and City Council President Stephanie Rawlings-Blake announced the availability of free community tax services for low-income working families in Baltimore at a press conference on February 5, 2008. The Baltimore CASH–Creating Assets, Savings, and Hope –Campaign is operating 17 FREE community tax sites throughout the city (see below). Now in its seventh year, the Campaign aims to prepare more than 10,000 tax returns which should result in over $15 million in refunds to working families in Baltimore while also saving them an estimated $1 million in tax preparation fees. The largest CASH Campaign site is at the Northwest One-Stop Career Center, serving over 1,200 clients last season.

The Campaign targets low-income working families who are eligible for federal and state Earned Income Tax Credits (EITC) because these families are most often targeted by commercial tax preparers who sell high-priced refund anticipation loans, or RALs. The Campaign’s free tax sites offer free e-filing for faster returns and can help residents access other wealth-creating opportunities such as US Savings Bonds, matched-savings accounts, and housing counseling. This year, the campaign is partnering with PNC Bank to provide savings opportunities for low-income workers, including savings accounts and CDs.

“The Baltimore CASH Campaign works to reduce poverty in Baltimore by providing free tax preparation services to eligible households in locations throughout the City. Not only does the program help people receive the Earned Income Tax Credit that is due to them, it also provides working families with resources to reduce their debts and achieve financial independence,” remarked Congressman Cummings.

Along with providing free tax preparation services, the Congressman, Mayor, Comptroller, City Council President, and the Baltimore CASH Campaign aim to put a dent in the estimated $29 million of EITC benefits that go unclaimed by eligible City residents. "I encourage everyone to take advantage of this very important financial resource," said Mayor Dixon. "The Baltimore CASH Campaign helps working individuals and families make the most of their tax returns, moving them towards a more sound financial future."

"Considering the current climate of the state and federal economy, the Comptrollers' office is working tirelessly to ensure that all Marylanders receive the proper tax credits and refunds they are due," said Comptroller Franchot. "I am an avid supporter of Earned Income Tax Credit and I urge all who are eligible to visit one of the free community tax sites throughout Baltimore City."

Adds President Rawlings-Blake, "I strongly encourage all working families to stop by a CASH Campaign center to get free professional assistance filing their tax returns. It’s so important that the people of Baltimore get the money they deserve, and this service will help ensure just that."

The Baltimore CASH Campaign coordinates the city-wide EITC outreach campaign and 17free tax preparation sites. Taxpayerscan get information about EITC eligibility and free tax prep site locations, by calling the 2-1-1 hotline, United Way’s First Call for Help (also at 1-800-492-0618), or by visiting www.baltimorecashcampaign.org