For Immediate Release: Monday, April 9, 2012
Hartford – With just over one week left in the income tax filing season, Department of Revenue Services (DRS) Commissioner Kevin B. Sullivan today reminded taxpayers of the free options available to file their state tax return and the new Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC).
Commissioner Sullivan said, “Our customer service representatives have heard some unfortunate stories about taxpayers being charged hundreds of dollars to have their EITC applications filed with their income tax. That’s a rip-off, pure and simple. While not illegal, it is certainly unconscionable for these sometimes fly-by-night storefront tax preparers to charge exorbitant fees to inexperienced taxpayers. The Connecticut EITC was designed to help low-income taxpayers get ahead, not line the pockets of unscrupulous preparers.”
Commissioner Sullivan said virtually all taxpayers eligible for the EITC also qualify for free filing services offered throughout the state. Taxpayers who earn less than $50,000 a year can access the free Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program where trained volunteers prepare both federal and state income tax returns for free.
“By calling Infoline 211, the United Way of Connecticut will help taxpayers schedule an appointment at a local VITA site to have their taxes done for free,” Commissioner Sullivan said, adding, “Taxpayers who want to file the taxes themselves can use the free, internet filing program available on the DRS website at www.ct.gov/tsc.”
Information about the Connecticut EITC is available on a special website at www.ct.gov/drs/eitc. There, taxpayers can find out about eligibility requirements for the EITC as well as steps they can take to ensure speedy processing of their application.
Taxpayers also can get information through the DRS website at www.ct.gov/DRS and through the agency’s automated telephone system at (800) 382-9463 (in-state callers outside the greater Hartford calling area) and (860) 297-5962 (callers from anywhere).
Media calls should be directed to the communications office at (860) 297-5610 or emailed to sarah.kaufman@po.state.ct.us.
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