Congresswoman Jackie Speier

April 4, 2012

Dear Friends,

This year’s April 17th tax filing deadline is fast approaching. Some of you may have the option to eliminate tax season anxiety and have your tax return prepared for FREE.

If you are an individual or family living on a low to moderate income you may qualify for one of two programs.

First, “Earn It! Keep It! Save It!” (EKS) is coordinated by the United Way in conjunction with many other groups including the IRS, Tax Aide, and AARP. The United Way’s "Earn It! Keep It! Save It!" program is the largest anti-poverty program in the nation. If your household income in 2011 was less than $50,000, EKS can provide you with free, quality tax preparation. There are 29 sites in San Mateo County and 47 sites in San Francisco County where you can have your taxes done by a trained volunteer. You can also call 211 or 510-238-2415 to find a location near you.

EKS also ensures that all eligible taxpayers claim the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) which can amount to as much as $5,751 per family.

Secondly, IRS Free File is a program that provides tax preparation software from the IRS. Taxpayers who made $57,000 or less in 2011 can access the industry’s top tax preparation software, as well as a comprehensive suite of online tax forms. Participating taxpayers can also have their tax refunds direct-deposited in as little as 10 days. The IRS estimates that over 100 million Americans have used its software. For more information, please visit the IRS website.

I hope these two programs will ease your anxiety over tax season. Please feel free to share this information with family, friends and neighbors by forwarding this e-mail.

All the best,

jackie