ROSEVILLE – State Representative Harold Haugh (D-Roseville) today announced simple and ways for local residents to get help filing their 2008 income taxes.
"Tax season can be a very stressful time for residents, but it doesn't have to be," Haugh said. "There are a lot of people and programs out there that can help make filing taxes a lot easier. There also are many helpful tax credits and deductions that will help keep more money in our hard-working families' pockets."
The Accounting Aid Society will be helping qualified residents at 28 sites throughout Southeast Michigan during tax season. Residents who made less than $41,700 last year can get their tax return done for free by IRS-certified volunteers. Volunteers are on hand every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Roseville Senior Center, 18961 Common Road in Roseville. To schedule an appointment, residents should call (586) 445-5423.
Since 1972, the Accounting Aid Society has helped return more than $157 million to Southeast Michigan residents. Last year, the organization served 12,500 people and returned $10.8 million in refunds and tax credits. For more information visit the Accounting Aid Society's Web site, accountingaidsociety.org.
In addition, Haugh is offering tax tips to help residents get the most out of their return. Visit his Web site, haugh.housedems.com, for more information on tax credits and deductions, including the Earned Income Tax Credit, Home Heating Credit and Property Tax Credit. Whether filing their own taxes or using the IRS-certified volunteers, residents also will find a handy, downloadable checklist to help gather all the documents needed to properly file their return.
"Times are tough right now and filing income taxes shouldn't be another burden on our working families," Haugh said. "Every year there are millions of dollars in unclaimed credits and deductions – money that our struggling families really need. I urge residents to visit my Web site to find tax tips that will help them take advantage of all the help being offered this year."