Some Area Residents Can Take Advantage of Free Tax Preparation

Friday is National Earned Income Tax Credit Day. Government officials, the Atlanta Community Food Bank and the IRS are highlighting the federal tax credit and a free tax preparation program that’s available to those earning $49,000 or less.

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Credit Allison Young/Atlanta Community Food Bank

49-year-old Ronnie Floyd sits down with tax preparer Michelle Hill at the Atlanta Workforce Development Agency. Floyd is taking advantage of a free tax preparation program called the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program, which is available at more than 40 sites throughout the metro area.

“It means a great deal. It means a lot to me, because they don’t charge me at Atlanta Workforce Development, and I like that.”

Volunteer tax preparers taking part in the program help determine if Floyd and others can receive an earned income tax credit.

Atlanta Community Food Bank Executive Director Bill Bolling says households making $49,000 or less could be eligible.

“They actually get a cash refund back, often times several thousand dollars, three or four thousand dollars. For a working person that’s working in hospitality, healthcare or retail it’s a tremendous support.

But Bolling says many are unaware they qualify for the credit.  Last year, more than one million Georgians received the earned income tax credit.