Free tax services will again be offered to qualified Louisvillians in an effort to boost the number of residents who qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit.This year, 27 sites will offer free tax preparation to some Louisvillians, organized by the Louisville Asset Building Coalition and other groups.Mayor Greg Fischer says the money can help families and the local economy.“This can result in up to $6,000 for families that have the full eligibility, which, $6,000, where I come from, is a lot of money. That can make the difference between putting braces on your kid’s teeth, a new car, whatever it may be.”The service is offered Louisvillians with a gross income of less than $52,000 last year or who qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit.Nedra Young of the Louisville Asset Building Coalition says many people don’t realize they qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit.Lt. Gov. Jerry Abramson says about 20 percent of eligible Kentucky workers don’t fill take the steps to get the Earned Income Tax Credit.“This isn’t a charity," says Abramson, who was Louisville's mayor when the service was first offered. "This isn’t a gift. This is your money. It belongs to you. And all you need to do is take the minute to be able to fill out the documentation.”Louisville Metro Councilwoman Attica Scott, D-1, also urged state leaders to consider creating astate-level Earned Income Tax Credit.For more information about the free tax service, go hereto the Louisville Asset Building Coalition's website.(Image via Shutterstock)
