United Way of Williamson County is working to educate area low-income families about the EITC (Earned Income Tax Credit).

Hard-working families earning less than $41,000 annually may qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit. Make sure you get the tax credits you have earned and avoid losing hundreds of dollars in tax preparation fees and "rapid refunds" by visiting a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) or AARP site in your neighborhood. The service is free and you can get your refund in 7 to 10 days with e-filing and direct deposit. The EITC could be just what you need to finally get ahead and put away a little something for your familiy's future.

For tax time in 2009, AARP and VITA sites around Williamson County provided low-income working families with free tax preparation help and links to other financial opportunities. At the two sites supported by United Way--Fairview and College Grove--we processed 200 returns resulting in $275,000 in Federal Refunds and EITC refunds of $87,000. Money that could be just what a hard-working familiy needs to finally get ahead or put away a little something for the future.

Here is a total list of locations in 2009.

College Grove Senior Center
8607 Henry Horton Highway, College Grove, TN 37046--615/368-7093

Fairview Public Library
2240 Fairview Blvd., Fairview, TN 37062--615/799-0235

The Martin Center (AARP)
960 Heritage Way, Brentwood, TN 37027--615/376-0102

MidCumberland Community Action Agency-Williamson Co. (VITA)
129 W. Fowlkes St., Franklin, TN 37064--615/790-5789

Shorter Chapel AME Church (VITA)
255 Natchez St., Franklin, TN 37064--615/790-6611

Williamson County Library (VITA)
1314 Columbia Ave., Franklin, TN 37064--615/794-3105

Williamson County Library (AARP)-on separate schedule from above site
1314 Columbia Ave., Franklin, TN 37064--615/794-3105

Anyone wishing to find out if they qualify for the EITC or to find out more just dial 2-1-1.

What should I bring with me to have my tax return prepared?
To qualify, you must meet certain requirements and file a U.S. Individual Income Tax Return. Here is what youshould bring with you:

1. Proof of identification

2. Social Security Cards for you, your spouse and dependents and/or a Social Security Number verification letter issued by the Social Security Administration

3. Birth dates for you, your spouse and dependents on the tax return

4. Current year’s tax package if you received one

5. Wage and earning statement(s) For W-2, W-2G, 1099-R, from all employers

6. Interest and dividend statements from banks (Forms 1099)

7. A copy of last year’s federal and state returns if available

8. Bank routing numbers and account numbers for Direct Deposit

9. Total paid for daycare provider and the daycare provider’s tax identifying number (the provider’s Social Security Number or the provider’s business Employer Identification Number)