In an effort to educate the public about EITC and encourage qualified individuals to apply for benefits, Tri-Town Community Action Agency will offer free tax preparation services starting in January to residents of North Providence, Johnston, Smithfield, Burrillville, Glocester and North Smithfield who use the EZ1040 form. “Many people are unaware that they are eligible for this tax benefit and the resulting refund can help pay for rent, heat or a myriad of other expenses that put a strain on the low-income individual,” noted Joseph R. DeSantis, Executive Director of Tri-Town Community Action Agency.
In existence since 1975, as the federal government’s largest anti-poverty program, the Earned Income Tax Program is typically underutilized. After the 2002 tax season approximately 27 million in benefits were left unclaimed by qualified Rhode Islanders. As part of the effort to promote the EITC program, North Providence and Johnston, in cooperation with Tri-Town Community Action Agency will also initiate a public awareness campaign.
