Filing taxes free to some

It's that time of year again - time to start thinking about filing those federal and state returns.

To assist people in the area who qualify, Washington-Morgan Community Action has partnered with the Ohio Benefit Bank to offer free income tax return filing. The service is for individuals or families whose income level is below $57,000 a year.

Lauren Behe, an AmeriCorps VISTA representative at Community Action, said the primary purpose of the service is to help qualified individuals receive the entire refund to which they're entitled.

"Especially with the economy right now, there are a lot of people who are new to poverty and don't know they're eligible for it and we can help them with that process," she said.

Behe said the earned income tax credit, in particular, can result in a large chunk of money being returned.

"A lot of people in the area might qualify for the earned income tax credit, and it's a pretty hefty tax credit that working families can be a part of," she said. "You can have a child in the house or you don't have to have a child in the house, but it's a pretty large tax credit."

Lisa Hamler-Fugitt, executive director of the Ohio Association of Second Harvest Food Banks, an Ohio Benefit Bank partner, noted that many low-income individuals and families turn to tax preparation services, wherein fees are required and sometimes, a refund anticipation loan is necessary.

She said in addition to providing the tax service, the agency also offers other programs for eligible parties, such as health care coverage, child care subsidies, food stamps and home energy assistance. By participating in this program, the organization can determine if an individual or family qualifies for these services, as well.

"By utilizing the information they've provided, we can complete the applications for these other programs, so it's the ultimate one-stop-shop," she said.

The service is provided at Community Action on Putnam Street in Marietta by appointment, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. A "Super Saturday" tax day will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. Call 373-3745 to make an appointment.