LCC Offering Free Tax Filing Services to Hard-Working Families Through Tax Help Colorado

Lamar, Colo. – This tax season, Lamar Community College is partnering with the Denver-based Piton Foundation to help hard-working families become more financially secure by providing free tax preparation assistance through the Tax Help Colorado program. Beginning February 1, 2014 IRS-certified Lamar Community College students will prepare and e-file tax returns free of charge for individuals with household incomes of less than about $50,000 a year.

Tax Help Colorado has a presence on 18 college campuses and operates 27 free tax sites statewide. More than 30% of Colorado families are eligible to participate in the program, which was created to help alleviate the financial burden of tax preparation on families that are striving to achieve financial stability.

Many of these families are also eligible for valuable tax benefits such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Child Tax Credit, and the preparers at Lamar Community College’s site specialize in ensuring that taxpayers receive the refunds they deserve. One of the nation’s most successful anti-poverty tools, the EITC helps struggling families make ends meet. In 2013, Tax Help Colorado helped nearly 10,000 taxpayers receive more than $18.5 million in tax refunds, including nearly 6.8 million from the Earned Income Tax Credit. In addition, the program saved lower-income taxpayers nearly $2 million in commercial tax preparation fees.

This free service, which is quick and confidential, will be offered at Lamar Community College from 9am-3pm on February 1st, 8th, and 15th in the Betz Technology Center.

People who are getting their taxes prepared at Lamar Community College should bring the following documents:

• All W-2, 1099s and other income-related documents.
• Proof of mortgage interest, property taxes, daycare payments, college education expenses, charitable contributions, and all other tax-deductible expenses.
• For college expenses: In addition to Form 1098T from your college, you must bring your own records of expenses paid for tuition, books, fees and supplies.
• Social Security cards (or ITINs) for all family members. Photo I.D. required.
• A copy of last year’s tax returns, if available.
• Bank account number and routing number to direct deposit the refund. With direct deposit, refunds are received in 10 to 14 days.

A list of all the Tax Help Colorado sites, as well as locations of other free tax assistance sites in Colorado, is available by dialing 2-1-1 (it’s a free call), visiting www.piton.org/eitc, or finding Tax Help Colorado on Facebook (www.facebook.com/taxhelpcolorado) and Twitter (@TaxHelpCo).

Local media is invited to visit this free tax site during tax season, and interviews can be arranged with student tax preparers and tax site clients. To schedule a visit, please contact Jenna Randle at 719-336-1518.

About Lamar Community College
Founded in 1937, Lamar Community College is a learner-centered, coeducational, two-year post-secondary institution. Located on the golden plains of southeastern Colorado, the College has developed a special concern for the educational needs of Prowers, Baca, Kiowa, and Cheyenne Counties.

About The Piton Foundation
The Piton Foundation sponsors Tax Help Colorado as part of its efforts to help move families from poverty and dependence to self-sufficiency. Piton is a private foundation located in Denver, Colorado. It was established in 1976 by Denver oilman Sam Gary. www.piton.org