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Families that earn less than $37,000 annually are eligible for state and federal earned income tax credits (EITC) that could put as much as $4,400 back in their pockets.
Sussex Countians can visit a mobile tax unit or one of six sites countywide to receive help on their taxes and participate in the EITC program. Last year more than $2 million was refunded to the 1,300 participants in the program.
Campaign spokesman state Treasurer Jack Markell said depending on family size and income, the credit can be as much as $4,400. “I’m passionate about this program because it truly is a life-changing program,” said Markell. “The net effect is that if a worker earns $7 an hour, by claiming the credit, it raises their hourly wage to $9.”
Nehemiah Gateway Community Development Corp. Executive Director Mary Dupont announced that the agency has trained more than 400 volunteers to work at 23 sites throughout the state.
“The mobile unit, donated by First State Community Action Agency, will be visiting five locations in Sussex County,” said Dupont. “We also hope that with free tax preparation, we can save taxpayers money that they would otherwise have to spend on this service.”
The launch event, held Jan. 10 at First State Community Action Agency in Georgetown, brought together the many partners involved in the program, including Nehemiah Gateway; Internal Revenue Service; and La Esperanza and Delaware Technical & Community College, also in Georgetown.
This is the first year that La Esperanza will participate in the EITC program, but Zaida Guajardo hopes it will not be the last. “We are proud to be a part of this program to help serve the Hispanic community,” said Guajardo.
La Esperanza is across the street from First State, on Race Street, so the agency can provide interpreters when needed, Guajardo said. Jim Gaskill of Lewes has been participating as a volunteer and site manager for the EITC program for three years. He first served at a popular Seaford location but this year will be managing the site at Del Tech. He said the participants could be anyone with low to moderate income.
“There is a tremendous number of people in this county that can benefit from the EITC program,” said Gaskill. “Many people that come to the Georgetown location are from Rehoboth and even Seaford.”
All the sites in Sussex County will be open on various days from Jan. 17 to April 15 to help taxpayers. For more information about the tax service, call the Delaware Helpline at 800-464-4357.
What to bring:
For tax preparers to assist those who need help with their taxes, people must bring appropriate documentation as follows:
• W-2s and 1099s from employers
• Social Security Cards (for everyone listed on the tax form)
• Copy of last year’s tax return
• List of other income/expenses (itemized deductions)
• Child care information (providers ID number and receipts)
• Blank check or savings account information for direct deposit
• 1099s for interest, dividends, unemployment,
government and miscellaneous income
• 1098s for student loan interest, mortgage interest or property tax
Where to go:
Tax service in eastern Sussex County is available from Jan. 17 until April 15.
For other locations, contact helpline at 800-464-4357
Lewes: Pinetown Community Center, 2 Pinetown Road
Thursdays, 5 to 9 p.m.
Georgetown: Del Tech, Student Services Center, staff dining hall
Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 6 to 9 p.m.
Georgetown: First State Community Action Agency, Central Sussex
(Se habla Espanol), 211 N. Race St.
Tuesdays, 6 to 9 p.m.; Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
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