Assembly Member Fiona Ma and Board of Equalization Member Betty Yee Promote Free Tax Assistance Program

Fiona Ma, Speaker Pro Tempore State Assembly and Betty Yee, First District Board Member State Board of Equalization inform taxpayers on tax benefits and credits when filing their income tax return, and promote free income tax assistance to low and moderat

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SAN FRANCISCO – Fiona Ma, Speaker Pro Tempore State Assembly and Betty Yee, First District Board Member State Board of Equalization inform taxpayers on tax benefits and credits when filing their income tax return, and promote free income tax assistance to low and moderate income taxpayers.

“As an accountant, I know first-hand how overwhelming filing your taxes can be, and when there are language or cultural barriers to add to the mix, filing can be a daunting task,” said Assemblywoman Ma. “The fact is, tax payers leave too much money on the table when tax forms are done incorrectly. This is why tax workshops like this one are absolutely critical to our communities.”

“I want to make sure that taxpayers know about all the tax benefits and credits during the filing season,” said State Board of Equalization Member Betty Yee. “By providing the information, we help working individuals and families get the tax credits and refunds they deserve.”

Take advantage of the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), which helps working class families who qualify reduce their federal tax liability or receive a tax refund. This means more money in your pocket. Last year, over 26.8 million received almost $59.5 billion in EITC for 2010 tax year returns, in California the average refund was $2,229. Don’t lose out on this federal program one out of every five taxpayers eligible for the refund does not claim it or file a return. As a result, billions of dollars go unclaimed each year. During these difficult economic times workers need to keep more of what they earn, EITC can help.

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA) offers free tax help to low- to moderate-income (generally, $49,078 and below) people who cannot prepare their own tax returns. Certified volunteers sponsored by various organizations help prepare basic tax returns in communities across California.

DATE: Friday, March 30, 2012

TIME: 3:00 p.m.

LOCATION: Asian Pacific American Community Center, 2442 Bayshore Boulevard, San Francisco

SPEAKERS: Selina Lee, Asian Pacific American Community Center

Kelly Batson, United Way Bay Area Wing So, Internal Revenue Service Betty Yee, Board of Equalization Assemblywoman Fiona Ma, 12th Assembly District