The Salvation Army Minerva-Malvern Service Unit is hosting a free clinic to help eligible low- and moderate-income Ohioans obtain free federal and state income-tax assistance, and to identify other work support benefits for which they may qualify.
The service is provided through the Ohio Benefit Bank, a Web-based, counselor-assisted program that connects low- and moderate-income Ohioans with access to potential work supports and public benefits.
The clinic will be provided at various locations, including the Minerva Public Library, through individual appointments scheduled throughout the tax season.
Trained counselors will lead individuals through the program, securing tax credits and public benefits for which they are eligible. The clinic is free to attend and refunds can be received in as few as seven to 10 days. Appointments are now being accepted. To make an appointment, call the Salvation Army at 330-868-5808.
To expedite the application process, applicants are encouraged to bring the following: W-2s or 1099s or any other income statement; Social Security numbers of all family members; deduction and credit information, such as tuition bills or child-care expenses; and direct-deposit information for savings or checking account.
Free tax-preparation assistance is available through the Ohio Benefit Bank to working families and individuals whose household income is less than $57,000 per year. When using the OBB service, taxpayers also can determine their eligibility for the Earned Income Tax Credit, which directs more of the tax refund back to the taxpayer. The clinic also allows individuals to apply for other public benefits, such as food stamps, child care and medical benefits, that may otherwise go unclaimed.
Each year, more than $1.7 billion in tax credits and other supports, of which more than 95 percent are federally funded, go unclaimed by eligible Ohioans who do not apply. In addition, many tax-preparation services charge high fees that reduce the amount of refunds received by Ohioans. By using the OBB service, these individuals can maximize their full tax refund.
To learn more about tax-assistance programs and other available resources, see the Ohio Association of Second Harvest Foodbanks at www.oashf.org. To locate an Ohio Benefit Bank site near you, call 1-800-648-1176 or see www.OBB.Ohio.Gov.
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