Don’t Miss Out on Tax Credits: Free Tax Assistance Available in Douglas/Coos Counties

Every year, Oregon sees a direct influx of money from the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), with 218,000 Oregonians benefiting from an average of $2,112 each. This adds up to a whopping $460 million in refunds. Yet, there's a catch: a staggering 32.1% of those eligible for the EITC aren't claiming it, leaving about $141 million on the table. That's money that could be supporting families and individuals right here in Douglas County. There is also the Child Tax Credit, which is a big tax credit for families. This year is an especially important year for taxes as there is a $5.6 billion kicker going back to tax payers. South Coast Business, with additional support of the Ford Family Foundation, is stepping up to tackle this issue head-on. With the VITA Tax Service, they're offering free tax preparation and e-filing for anyone with an income of less than $70k. This initiative is not only IRS-sponsored and grant-funded but also backed by IRS-certified staff with years of experience. Here's what you need to do: Book Your Appointment: Call 541-670-5054 and secure your spot. What to Bring: - Your Social Security Card - A valid Photo ID - Last year's tax returns - W-2s, 1099s, or other tax documents - Bank Account and Routing numbers for your refund Where to Go: You can visit them at: - Pony Village Mall North Bend -1611 Virginia Ave, North Bend, OR 97459 - DHS Building Roseburg - 738 W Harvard Ave, Roseburg, OR 97471 This service is a great opportunity to both get help with your taxes as well as make sure you and your family are getting the money from tax credits you qualify for.