Don't Walk Away From Free Money from the IRS

The earned income credit (EIC) is a great feature in U.S. tax law that allows low and moderate income working taxpayers a chance to get some money back in these tough times. Contrary to what many believe, you do NOT have to have children in your household to qualify for this. You do, however, have to possess a valid Social Security number and have income earned from a job or self-employment. To find out if you qualify, check the IRS web page for more information.

Not only can you get money from the IRS, you can get free help filling out your taxes. In the Toledo area, call 211 and ask for the schedule of VITA volunteers--their times and locations--and set up an appointment to get your taxes done by people who can help you qualify. Also, if you live in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Arkansas, Mississippi, Kansas, or Florida, check out the Benefit Bank. Put in your address, click in the box marked "taxes," and you will get a list of nearby places that offer tax assistance.

Second Chance for the Recovery Rebates of 2008

Didn't get the full--or for that matter, ANY--recovery check last year from the IRS? You may be in line to get some this year. Some people who didn't get their recovery rebate last year may be eligible to get one this year. Do you fall into one of these categories?

• Individuals who did not receive an economic stimulus payment.
  
  
• Those who received less than the maximum economic stimulus payment in 2008 — $600 per taxpayer; $1,200 if married filing jointly — because their qualifying or gross income was either too high or too low.
  
  
• Families who gained an additional qualifying child in 2008.
  
  
• Individuals who could be claimed as a dependent on someone else’s tax return in 2007, but who cannot be claimed as a dependent on another return in 2008.
  
  
• Individuals who did not have a valid Social Security number in 2007 but who did receive one in 2008.

If you fall into one of those groups, see the IRS page. More information is available in their Q and A page. Your kickback will not be in the form of a separate check, as it was in 2008, but in a reduction of your current tax bill or a bigger refund. People who got their full rebate check last year are generally not eligible. But if you didn't...don't let this ship sail without checking the web sites above.