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Goodwill's Tax Preparation Services Help Workers Keep Their Earnings

February 21, 2008

Rockville, MD – As Americans prepare their tax returns, Goodwill Industries is offering free tax preparation services to low-income workers, people with disabilities and other taxpayers in more than 40 communities across the United States.  The organization aims to help people claim the tax refunds for which they are eligible, including the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC).
 
“For more than 100 years, Goodwill has provided millions of people with job training and work opportunities so that they can earn a paycheck and support themselves and their families,” says George Kessinger, president and CEO of Goodwill Industries International.  “It’s only natural that we would also provide access to the tools that help them maximize their income and build their assets.”

Goodwill is working with the Internal Revenue Service and community groups to provide tax preparation services through Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites, as well as to promote the EITC.  While 22.4 million families received $43.7 (b) billion through the EITC in 2006, studies indicate that 25 percent of eligible families do not claim it.

“We need to make sure that working families get back every dollar for which they are eligible to help cover transportation, food, housing, and other family expenses,” says Kessinger.

During the 2006 tax season, Goodwill processed nearly 5,000 tax returns, and helped families secure about $6.5 million in tax refunds.

To find your local Goodwill, visit www.goodwill.org, or call (800) 664-6577.  Read more information about the EITC Campaign.

For free broadcast-quality video, visit www.thenewsmarket.com/Goodwill.