The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)

The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a federal income tax credit that has been set aside by the Federal Government to aid low-to-moderate income workers who are eligible for and claim the credit.

Target Audience - Earned Income Tax Credit:
Family/single w/no child, income < $14,590 – Refund up to $ 428*
Family/single w/1 child, income < $35,241 – Refund up to $2,853*
Family/single w/2 children, income < $39,783 – Refund up to $4,716*
*Numbers are for married filing jointly; for income limit for single, subtract $2,000

It reduces the amount of tax owed, and may be returned in the form of a refund.

An Individual Development Account

An Individual Development Account is a matched savings program to help qualifying participants save towards a home, education, or business goal.

Target Audience - Individual Development Accounts
Household SizeIncome Limit
1$ 20,800
2$ 28,000
3$ 35,200
4$ 42,400
5$ 49,600
6$ 56,800
7$ 64,000
8$ 71,200

Steering Committee Meetings:

Tuesday, January 8, 2008 - 10:30 am
Tuesday, February 5, 2008 - 10:30 am
Tuesday, March 4, 2008 - 10:30 am
Tuesday, April 1, 2008 - 10:30 am
Tuesday, May 13, 2008 - 10:30 am
Friday, June 3, 2008 - 12:00 pm
Tuesday, July 1, 2008 - 10:30 am
Tuesday, August 5, 2008 - 10:30 am
Tuesday, September 2, 2008 - 10:30 am
Tuesday, October 7, 2008 - 10:30 am
Tuesday, November 4, 2008 - 10:30 am
Tuesday, December 4, 2008 - 10:30 am

Tax Preparer

A person who will be trained to learn limited tax law and prepare taxes via either classroom instruction or an online program (Tax Wise or The Benefit Bank). Depending on the level of certification desired (Basic, Intermediate or Advanced), training will be 8 to 40 hours and will require a certification test at the end of the class. Volunteers will be asked to donate at least 30 hours between January 15 and April 15. This effort will teach volunteers a life skill and give them an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of fellow citizens.
Client Greeter/Prosperity Coach

The person who greets taxpayers as they enter a free tax preparation site. This position is also responsible for administering assessment tools that will help determine what additional services taxpayers are interested in and how to access them. Additional services available to clients include free financial education classes and enrollment in a matched-savings program where enrollees can take advantage of a $2 for $1 match. Time commitment includes at least 4 to 6 hours of training and at least 30 hours of volunteer time between January 15 and April 15. This person will perform the following tasks:

• Greet taxpayers and sign them in
• Review taxpayers' paperwork to make certain they have all documents needed
• Keep the waiting room running smoothly
Quality Review Specialist

A specialized position that requires at least two years of tax preparation experience as well as extra training in tax law and Tax Wise software. The QR Specialist will be asked to volunteer at least 40 hours between January 15 and April 15. The person in this position will review completed tax returns to make certain there are no glaring errors and that steps have not been missed. QR Specialists will also answer questions from newer tax preparers as necessary.
Tax Site Coordinator

The lead person at a tax preparation location. Time commitment of between 100 and 400 hours during the 5 month tax season. This person will:

• Help recruit tax preparer volunteers
• Be trained on tax law and how to manage a tax site & volunteers
• Manage the process and operations during tax preparation
• Track and report the site statistics (numbers of returns prepared and refunds expected, etc.)
Advertising/PR Specialist

A professional who is willing to help with the RealSense Prosperity Campaign marketing message and PR/Advertising strategy pro bono.
Special Events Assistants

Several positions for people who like coordinating events. Position could include arranging for menus, sound equipment, tables, chairs, etc. for event. Time commitment is flexible.
Financial Education Trainer

A person who facilitates Money Smart, a financial education class for community members interested in learning how to better manage their wealth and assets. Time commitment includes attending a Train the Trainer session prior to teaching a class.