North Center Revitalization Assoc. (NCRA)

The Federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) could give you a tax

a tax refund up to $4,400, based on your earnings and family sit

Contact: Katie Brown
Volunteer Coordinator
480.644.3705
katie.brown@cityofmesa.org

Take your money-you earned it!

Did you earn less than $37,263 in 2005? The Federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) could give you a tax refund up to $4,400, based on your earnings and family situation. You must have earned income and need to file taxes in order to receive your credit.

You don't have to pay to file your taxes or spend hundreds of dollars on a refund anticipation loan (RAL). For the fifth year, Mesa's Office of Human Services has partnered with Mesa organizations to provide Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites for the community. Volunteers will help taxpayers like you prepare and e-file your federal and state returns, so you can receive your refund fast.

In addition, tax volunteers can connect you with programs in your community that can help you improve your credit, open a bank account, buy a home, or start a business.

Tax sites in Mesa are located at: Mesa Community College, Main Campus, 1833 W. Southern Avenue, Kirk Student Center; MCC Red Mountain, Acacia Village Building, 2305 N. Power Road; Mesa Family YMCA, 207 N. Mesa Drive; MesaCAN, 635 E. Broadway Road and Mercy Housing Villas De Merced, 520 N. Mesa Drive. For exact site times, please contact Community Information and Referral's EITC hotline at (602) 263-8856 or (800) 352-3792.

The EITC was established in 1975 and is considered the nation's most effective anti-poverty program for working families. Annually, the EITC lifts approximately four million people out of poverty, including over two million children. In the City of Mesa, according to IRS statistics, there is approximately $35 million unclaimed EITC funds. Last year Mesa volunteers returned more than $1 million to approximately 850 families.

Mesa EITC collaboration includes, the City of Mesa, Internal Revenue Service, Arizona Republic, MesaCAN, Mesa Community College, Mesa Boys and Girls Club, Mesa Family YMCA, Mesa United Way, Mercy Housing, Chase Bank and Maximus.

For more information about Mesa's EITC initiative and Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program, contact (480) 644-3705. For other tax questions, including questions regarding the Earned Income Tax Credit, call the IRS at (800) 829-1040.