Tax Deadline: Find Free Help; don't miss out on Refund Money

Last-minute tax filers, take note: There's still free help available at various tax-preparation sites. And, you could be eligible for up to $5,751 in federal tax credits that go unclaimed each year.

That's the message from the IRS and state tax officials, who reminded low-income individuals and families Monday to take advantage of the federal Earned Income Tax Credit, known as the EITC.

Tomorrow, April 17, is the official filing deadline for 2011 taxes.

About 800,000 eligible Californians didn't claim an EITC refund in 2009, according to the most recent data from the state Franchise Tax Board. "We want to make sure they know about the ETIC and not leave that money on the table," said FTB spokesman Dan Tahara. "It's a good chunk of change."

Even if individuals didn't earn enough income to pay taxes, they may still qualify for the refundable tax credit. For details, go to www.WeConnect.net, which has an easy calculator to see if you qualify. Or visit the IRS website: www.irs.gov/eitc.

To find sites for free tax help, call (800) 906-9887 or: www.ftb.ca.gov/individuals/vita/search/index.aspx.

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