Earned income tax credit reminder As the April income tax filing deadline approaches, State Senator George Onorato is urging low- and moderate-income working families and individuals to determine their eligibility for the federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) – a program that could provide them with hundreds and even thousands of dollars in welcome tax relief.
“The EITC is widely heralded as a valuable tool in helping lower income working individuals and families to make ends meet,” said Senator Onorato. “However, many people who are eligible for this refundable tax credit don’t even know that it exists.”
For the 2009 tax year, the value of the federal EITC ranges from a maximum of $457 for eligible childless workers to as much as $5,657 for those who have three or more children living with them. In addition, New York State’s EITC, which is equal to 30 percent of the federal credit, is available, together with the city’s tax credit, to provide eligible workers with even greater savings.
Eligibility for the EITC is based on age, income and family size. To be eligible, New Yorkers must have been at least 25 but under age 65 at the end of 2009, and must have worked all or part of the year. Income thresholds (which include total earned income and federal adjusted gross income) for the 2009 tax year are as follows:
• Single workers without children: Less than $13,440;
• Married childless couples (filing jointly): Less than $18,440;
• Single workers with one child: Less than $35,463;
• Married couples with one child (filing jointly): Less than $40,463;
• Single workers with two children: Less than $40,295;
• Married couples with two children (filing jointly): Less than $45,295;
• Single workers with three or more children: Less than $43,279;
• Married couples with three or more children (filing jointly): Less than $48,279.
For taxpayers who need help determining their eligibility for the EITC and filling out the appropriate forms to claim the federal and state credits, various forms of assistance exist. To find out about free tax preparation sites in Queens, interested individuals may call 311, or call 1-800-TAX-1040 (1-800-829-1040).
Help for HS seniors
LaGuardia Community College’s Teen Academy will show you how to wow college admissions committees with a compelling essay or personal statement that reveals your personality, charm, talents and why a college education is important to you. Classes begin March 6.
The two-hour classes run from 12:15 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. in the college’s main building at 31-10 Thomson Avenue, Long Island City. Classes run through April 17.
Registration is now taking place. Limited family discounts are available. Those who are interested in attending may call 718-482-7244 or register online at www.peopleware.net/ace.
In addition to helping with the admission essay, LaGuardia is helping students with the June SAT exam. LaGuardia Community College’s Teen Academy is offering Saturday intensive test prep classes, beginning March 6.
The four-hour-long sessions, which begin at 10 a.m., will be held in the college’s main building at 31-10 Thomson Avenue, Long Island City. The course runs through March 22.
Registration is now taking place. Those who are interested in attending may call 718-482-7244 or register online at www.peopleware.net/ace.
Queens Green Business Summit
On Friday, February 19, Queens will turn green for a day as the Queens Chamber of Commerce will host the second annual Queens Green Business Summit at Queens College.
The Queens Chamber of Commerce is teaming up with Queens College to gather key decision makers, facilities managers, purchasing directors, owners and executive members of the business community in one place to interact with regional local leaders and engage in a dialogue on sustainability.
The free summit, which will take place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., will again focus on the latest sustainable, attainable and measurable tools that businesses could integrate into their own companies.
For more information log onto www.queenschamber.org
Purim fun at Central Queens Y
Get ready to celebrate the festive holiday of Purim with the whole family! The Central Queens Y in Forest Hills is having its annual Purim Carnival complete with games, prizes, art programs and misc on Sunday, February 28, from 1-4 p.m..
The afternoon will include games and activities, including moon bounces, carnival booths with prizes, magic, balloon sculptures, kosher cotton candy, music and a special surprise character. It’s sure to entertain children and adults alike. Kosher refreshments will be available for purchase.
Come dressed in costume and be a part of the annual Central Queens Y Costume Parade. The best costumes in each age group win a prize.
The Central Queens Y is located at 67-09 108th Street in Forest Hills. For more information, call Joanne Someck, Director of Membership & Marketing at 718-268-5011 ext. 131 or e-mail to jsomeck@cqyjcc.org.
