From staff reports

ALTUS -- Income tax season is upon us, but there is no need to stress. Southwest Community Action and Retired and Senior Volunteer Program are sponsoring free income tax preparation and e-filing. Beginning in January, IRS certified volunteers will be stationed at the Head Start Centers in Altus, Elk City, Hollis, Granite and Mangum. Volunteers will prepare and electronically file basic federal and Oklahoma state tax returns. The program is available by appointment only to those filing a basic return with a household income of $36,000 or less last year..

Volunteers have been specially trained in the Earned Income Credit. The EIC is a tax benefit for working people who earn low and moderate incomes. It reduces the tax burden on these workers, supplements their wages and helps individuals pay bills or save for the future. EIC refunds may be up to $4,200 per year, based on family size and income. The Internal Revenue Service has estimated that in the year 2000, Oklahoma had about 26,000 people eligible for the EIC who did not file tax returns. The average EIC refund for those who did not file would have been $505 per person, and the total federal EIC refund that was not claimed in Oklahoma is estimated at $25.6 million. This amount does not include the Child Care Tax Credit or factor in Oklahoma's state EIC and Child Care Credit programs. Anyone who has earned at least $5 in 2004 can make an appointment to have their taxes prepared to see if they qualify for such credits.

Southwest Community Action and RSVP's tax program promotes free filing of the Earned Income Credit and connects residents to other tax credits, public benefits and asset-building resources. Qualifying individuals may call their local Head Start to make an appointment as soon as they receive all of their W-2s, 1099s and other pertinent income statements.