First-Ever Super Refund Saturday Set to Provide Free Tax Preparation to Hundreds of Hardworking People
The Franklin County EITC Coalition is partnering today with The Ohio Benefit Bank™, AARP, and local financial institutions for “Super Refund Saturday” at Columbus Downtown High School. Nearly 100 volunteers from local colleges, companies, and nonprofit organizations will complete hundreds of tax returns in one day, helping thousands of hardworking people receive the money they deserve. This event will significantly increase the capacity of these organizations to provide tax preparation in early February, when demand is highest.
The event also includes a financial resources fair, with information on opening checking and savings accounts, enrolling in an incentivized savings account, understanding and repairing your credit , FAFSA preparation, and benefits application assistance. There are children’s activities, and Columbus Kids: Ready, Set, Learn staff will provide kindergarten readiness assessments.
"This event will not only help people get their taxes prepared for free, but is will help get them fast refunds they can use to build a strong financial future," said LaShawn Capito, Chair of the Core Hosting Committee of the Franklin County EITC Coalition.
"To often, Ohio families use their hard earned dollars to pay to prepare their taxes. This event will help families keep more money in their pocket and learn about other programs they may utilize to support their family,” stated Jason Elchert, Deputy Director of the Ohio Association of Second Harvest Foodbanks and The Ohio Benefit Bank.
Since 2006, The Ohio Benefit Bank has helped over 273,000 Ohioans access more than $577 million in benefits and tax credits at over 1,200 locations across Ohio. Call 800-648-1176 to locate an OBB free tax preparation site. Site locations are also available online at ohiobenefits.org. People can also do their taxes on their own through the website.
Each year, the Franklin County EITC Coalition supports free tax assistance sites throughout Columbus between January and April. In 2011, seventeen sites prepared 3,635 tax returns resulting in $4.9 million dollars in refunds and savings of $923,000 to taxpayers who may have otherwise used a paid tax preparer. More information is available at the Coalition's website keepitsaveit.org. Appointments for free tax preparation can be made by calling 2-1-1.
About The Franklin County EITC Coalition
The Franklin County EITC Coalition is a collaboration between government, nonprofit and business organizations. It is driven entirely by volunteers. The Coalition's purpose is to raise awareness of the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), to provide free, high-quality tax assistance services and to connect people to financial education resources and savings opportunities.
About the Ohio Association of Second Harvest Foodbanks, Home of The Ohio Benefit Bank
OASHF is Ohio’s largest charitable response to hunger, representing Ohio’s 12 Feeding America foodbanks and 3,300 member charities including food pantries, soup kitchens and shelters. Since 2006, through The Ohio Benefit Bank, OASHF has helped over 273,000 Ohioans connect with over $577 million in benefits and tax credits. In SFY 2011, OASHF and its member foodbanks were able to acquire and distribute more than 150 million pounds of food and grocery items. Stay connected on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ohiobenefitbank.
