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News from Lane Community College, Eugene, Oregon
Public information officer: Joan Aschim, (541) 463-5591, aschimj@lanecc.edu
PSA from Lane Family Connections, Lane Community College
Contact: Vena Williams, (541) 463-3302

For release February 16, 2006

Lane Family Connections urges families to claim tax credits; six state and federal credits and free tax preparation are available

EUGENE, OR - Federal and state child-related tax credits can put thousands of dollars in the pockets of Oregon families. That's why Lane Family Connections, the local child care resource and referral for Lane County, is spreading the word that working parents may be eligible for credits to help with the cost of raising a family, including child care.

"It's hard for many families with children to meet child care and other expenses these days," said Vena Williams, director of Lane Family Connections. "Many aren't aware that they may qualify for thousands of dollars in federal and state tax refunds."

According to Williams, some families may be eligible for all six state and federal child-related tax credits. Williams said two of the credits, the federal Earned Income Tax Credit and the Oregon Working Family Child Care Tax Credit, are refundable, offering eligible families a refund even if they do not owe taxes. In general, eligibility for the credits is based on household income and the age and number of dependents.

Families may be able to claim these federal credits:

• The federal Earned Income Tax Credit, which helps provide a wage supplement for low-income families (those earning less than $37,263 annually). The maximum value of this credit has increased to $4,400 this year, up from $4,300 last year.
• The federal Child and Dependent Care Credit, designed to offset some of the child or dependent care costs that families incur in order to work. The maximum value of this credit is $2,100 this year.
• The federal Child Tax Credit, designed to help families offset some of the costs of raising children. The maximum value of this credit is $1,000 per child this year.

In addition, Oregon has its own Child and Dependent Care Credit, worth up to $1,800. Oregon also has a Working Family Child Care Credit, which is worth up to 40 percent of qualifying child care expenses and is refundable, giving more tax assistance to low-income tax filers. Finally, Oregon tax filers may be eligible for up to $220 from the Oregon Earned Income Credit.

Williams stressed that families must file state and federal tax returns to claim the credits, even if they believe they do not owe taxes. Free tax help is available to help low-income, limited English proficiency, elderly, and disabled taxpayers with the preparation of their basic tax returns. Volunteers at the sites have received training from the IRS and the Oregon Department of Revenue. The following organizations in Lane County offer free tax preparation:

Cottage Grove
Cottage Grove Community Center, 700 Gibbs
Thursdays 9 a.m. -1 p.m., appointments only, call 541-942-8751

Eugene
Apple Orchard Apartments Community Center, 2670 Edgewood Dr.
Mondays 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., appointments only, call 541-683-1751

Celeste Campbell Senior Center, 155 High Street
Fridays 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., appointments only, call 541-682-5318

Eugene Public Library, Singer Conference Room, 100 W. 10th
Walk-ins: Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Spanish-speaking volunteers available

Lane Community College, 4000 E 30th Ave., Cafeteria, Main Campus
Walk-ins: Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Oregon Department of Revenue, 1600 Valley River Dr., Suite 310
Walk-ins: Mondays 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Petersen Barn Community Center, 870 Berntzen Rd.
Tuesdays and Thursdays 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., appointment only, call 541-682-5521

River Road Park District, 1400 Lake Dr.
Thursdays 12:30 - 4:30 p.m., appointments only, call 541-688-4052

University of Oregon, Chiles Rm. 228
Walk-ins: Saturdays 12 noon - 5 p.m. (Closed March 25 and April 1)

Willamette High School, LCC Learning Center, 1801 Echo Hollow Rd.
Walk-ins: Tuesdays in February and Thursdays throughout the filing season, 4 - 8 p.m.

Florence
Siuslaw Public Library, 1460 9th St
Walk-ins: Monday and Thursdays 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Junction City
Viking Sal Senior Center, 245 West 5th
Fridays 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., appointments only, call 541-998-1556

Springfield
Springfield City Hall, 225-5th St., Jesse Maine Rm.
Walk-ins: Wednesdays and Thursdays 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Thurston High School, LCC Learning Center, 333-58th St.
Walk-ins: Thursdays 4 - 8 p.m.

Willamalane Senior Center, 215 West C St.
Mondays 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., appointments only, call 541-736-4444

Veneta
Tony Garcia Center, 88149 Territorial Rd
Walk-ins: Thursdays 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Families seeking tax preparation at these sites should bring this information with them:

• Photo identification
• Social security cards or Taxpayer Identification numbers, for adults who are filing as well as all dependents
• Copy of last year's return
• Form W-2 (Wage and Tax Statement) from each employer
• Child care information, including amount of expenses
• List of medical, taxes, interest, contributions, and miscellaneous expenses (if itemizing deductions)

Lane Family Connections of Lane Community College offers child care information and referrals to area families and is a member of the Oregon Child Care Resource & Referral Network.

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