Coalition Offers Free Income Tax Prep Services

The Greater Nashua Asset Building Coalition (GNABC) is offering free income tax preparation and filing for income-eligible taxpayers at four area locations through March 23.

Volunteers who are trained and certified on IRS-approved software will help filers prepare their 2012 federal income tax returns and determine whether they qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and other tax credits. Free tax returns prepared by coalition volunteers for tax year 2011 brought nearly $2.9 million in refunds back to Nashua-area households; $10.4 million has been returned to the region over the past four years.

To receive free income tax preparation and filing assistance, total income per return cannot exceed $51,000 for tax year 2011, and must not include more than $3,200 in investment income. Volunteers file the returns electronically, which facilitates direct deposit of refunds into taxpayers’ bank accounts, usually within 10 days.

The EITC, which is designed to supplement wages of low-to-moderate-income workers, can increase an eligible family’s tax refund significantly. Last year, 483 Greater Nashua filers claimed $676,581 in EITC. According to the IRS, the average EITC claimed in New Hampshire last year was $1,850. Families can use this lump sum not only to pay off debts and buy necessities, but also to build assets, such as starting a college savings account.

EITC allowances vary with income levels, filing status, and number of children. For example, a single parent with one child, earning less than $36,920, or a married couple with one child, filing jointly and earning less than $42,130, may receive an EITC up to $3,169.

No appointment is needed for the free tax preparation, which launched January 26, and continues every Saturday through March 23, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Triangle Credit Union, 33 Franklin Street, Nashua. Free tax filing help also will be available at the following locations and times:

Nashua Public Library
2 Court Street, Nashua
February 1 – April 15
Mondays and Wednesdays, 10 AM-7 PM
Fridays, 10 AM-2 PM

Wadleigh Public Library
49 Nashua Street, Milford
February 5 – April 11
Tuesdays, 9:30 AM-2 PM
Thursdays, 4-6:30 PM

YMCA-Merrimack
6 Henry Clay Drive, Merrimack
February 4 – April 15
Mondays, 9:30 AM to noon

Tax filers should bring all their relevant tax information, including: social security card(s) for themselves and their dependents; W-2 and 1099 income reporting forms; copy of their 2011 tax return; driver’s license or photo identification card; tax identification number of their child care provider; and any mortgage company statements received during 2012.  Checking or savings account numbers and bank routing numbers are needed for direct deposit of refunds.

To locate tax preparation sites in New Hampshire, call 2-1-1, United Way’s statewide toll-free information and referral service. 

GNABC members include United Way of Greater Nashua, the Internal Revenue Service, City of Nashua, NH AARP Tax-Aide Program, Triangle Credit Union, The Front Door Agency, University of NH Cooperative Extension, Nashua Soup Kitchen & Shelter, YMCA of Greater Nashua, Southern NH Services, LinkAbilities, Adult Learning Center, NH Bureau of Elderly and Adult Services, and Harbor Homes.