Eligible taxpayers can claim up to $5,751 in federal Earned Income Tax Credits

SOLANO AND YOLO COUNTIES, CA - Assemblymember Mariko Yamada (D – Davis) announces a series of free tax assistance events in communities throughout the 8th Assembly District.  For the third year, Assemblymember Yamada’s office will hosts these events through partnerships with: the Internal Revenue Service, Children's Network of Solano County, Hermanos Macehual of UC Davis, Woodland Community College, United Way of the Bay Area, Washington Unified School District, Yolo County Children's Alliance, Yolo County Department of Employment and Social Services, Yolo Family Resource Center and the Yolo County Library.

“During these difficult economic times, every penny counts,” said Assemblymember Yamada. “We are proud to partner with the IRS and so many community partners to help eligible workers claim every earned tax credit they deserve.”

Families earning up to $49,078 from wages or self-employment are eligible for free tax preparation assistance and may receive a maximum of $5,751 in Earned Income Tax Credits (EITC) based on their income and family size. Many people will qualify for the first time this year because of changes in their income, marital status, or the addition of children. Eligible workers may qualify for this federal tax benefit, but will only receive the EITC if they file federal income tax returns and specifically claim the credit.  Each workshop will have IRS certified tax preparers to assist community members.

In 2011, Assemblymember Yamada partnered with the Sacramento Coalition for Working Families, the Earn It! Keep It! Save It! Coalition of Solano County and several Yolo County agencies to host workshops which resulted in more than $5.4 million returned to families in Solano and Yolo counties.

Assemblymember Yamada will host six free 2012 Tax Assistance Workshops at the following locations:

Saturday, 1/28/12
9:00am-3:00pm
Woodland Community College, Room 800
2300 E. Gibson Rd.
Woodland, CA

Appointments required, please call: (530) 406-7221

Saturday, 1/28/12
10:00am – 3:00pm
Fairfield Civic Center Library
1150 Kentucky St.
Fairfield, CA
Walk-ins welcome. For information, please call: (707) 421-7229 ext. 102

Saturday, 2/4/12
9:00am – 3:00pm
River City High School Library
1 Raider Ln.
West Sacramento, CA
Appointments required, please call: (916) 572-0560 or 1-866-607-4030

Saturday, 2/4/12
9:00am – 3:00pm
Woodland High School
21 N. West St.
Woodland, CA
Appointments required, please call: (530) 406-7221

Saturday, 2/11/12
10:00am – 3:00pm
Vacaville Public Library- Cultural Center
1020 Ulatis Dr.
Vacaville, CA
Walk-ins welcome. For information, please call: (707) 421-7229 ext. 102

Saturday, 4/7/12
9:00am-1:00pm
Winters Community Library
708 Railroad Ave. Winters, CA
Appointments required, please call: (530) 406-7221

Taxpayers must bring the following items to the workshops to complete the tax form:

• Photo Identification
• Valid Social Security cards for the taxpayer, spouse and dependents (a signature of both spouses is required for a joint return, so both parties must be present. Dependents do not need to be present).  Valid ITIN number will be accepted.
• Birth dates for primary, secondary and dependents to be claimed on the tax return
• Wage and earning statement(s) Form W-2, W-2G, 1099-R, from all employers
• Interest and dividend statements from banks (Forms 1099)
• A copy of last year’s federal and state returns, if available
• Bank routing numbers and account numbers for direct deposit
• Other relevant information about income and expenses including total paid for day care and provider's identifying number

For additional questions, volunteer opportunities and a listing of free tax preparation sites, please call (707) 455-8025 or visit http://www.assembly.ca.gov/yamada.  Please visit www.irs.gov for more information about the EITC.