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January 28, 2008
Get help filing for tax credit

By elizabeth Elkins

For the first time, Emory is participating in the Atlanta Prosperity Campaign, an effort to increase wealth and assets among low-income working individuals and families through enrollment in the Earned Income Tax Credit program.

The EITC reduces the amount of federal taxes owed by a qualifying taxpayer. In many cases, qualified individuals do not know the credit is available to them, and fail to file their taxes correctly. To remedy this situation, Emory will offer tax help for individuals and families who qualify for the EITC.

Emory is screening all employees and will notify those who meet the qualifications for assistance.
Generally, employees with household incomes under $40,000 annually will qualify. From Feb. 5 through April 10, those employees can receive step-by-step help with their Form 1040s, U.S. Individual Income Tax Returns.

The tax assistance will come in the form of a cadre of 53 volunteers, which includes Emory faculty, staff, students and retirees (each of whom will undergo a day-long IRS training session).

“I’ve been doing my own taxes for years,” says volunteer Laura Pokalsky of Emory College administration computing support. “I really enjoy the organizational part of it. It’s challenging and fun. I’m excited to help people who can’t do it themselves, and to help ease their anxiety.”