By Megan Sayles
AFRO Business Writer
msayles@afro.com
The Creating Assets, Savings and Hope (CASH) Campaign of Maryland celebrated national Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Day on Jan. 26 by announcing the 2024 sites for the nonprofit’s free tax preparation services.
Photo credit: AFRO Photo / Megan Sayles
Maryland households who made less than $64,000 in 2023 are eligible for the free service. Those who earned less than $63,398 can qualify for the EITC, which puts thousands of dollars in refunds back into the pockets of residents.
In 2020, nearly 27 percent of Maryland taxpayers qualified for free tax preparation services and the EITC but did not apply, according to the Office of the Comptroller. The CASH Campaign of Maryland seeks to close this gap and ensure residents are aware of these gains.
“The Earned Income Tax Credit and other tax credits work for families. We know it lifts families out of poverty, and we know that families know what to do with that money,” said Sara Johnson, co-founder and CEO of the CASH Campaign of Maryland. “They pay their rent, they pay their bills, they buy groceries and, hopefully, they can do something nice for their families with some of that extra money too.”
In 2024, The CASH Campaign of Maryland’s free tax preparation sites in the Baltimore area include the Central Enoch Pratt Free Library, Bon Secours Community Works, University of Maryland, Baltimore’s Community Engagement Center, Center for Urban Families, Loyola Clinical Center, the Weinberg Y in Waverly, We Are CASA, Baltimore County Public Library’s Randallstown Branch, University of Maryland Baltimore County and Dundalk Renaissance.
LaToyia Califf, a fitness trainer at the Weinberg Y in Waverly, discovered the work of the CASH Campaign of Maryland last year. She took advantage of the free tax preparation services and learned that she could claim the EITC and Child Tax Credit during the process.
“I was very happy with my refund, and I was very grateful that it was free and extremely convenient,” said Califf. “With that money, I was able to get my new apartment for my children.”
Since its inception, the CASH Campaign of Maryland has served more than 266,000 households across the state of Maryland, generating $390 million in refunds and tax credits for taxpayers. Last year in Baltimore City alone, the organization worked with nearly 8,000 families who received $11.6 million in refunds and tax credits.
Appointments for free tax preparation must be scheduled in advance, and a list of requisite documentation can be found on the CASH Campaign of Maryland’s website. Tax returns must be filed by April 15.
“The reality is there’s a lot of folks in our community with a tremendous amount of stress and anxiety about tax season. We’re here to say if you qualify for this program, there is absolutely no reason for you not to take advantage of the free services that are provided by the CASH Campaign,” said Baltimore City Council President Nick J. Mosby.
He continued by urging eligible taxpayers to ensure they capitalize on the EITC, and other tax credits.
“There’s no reason to support and trust the guy in the Statue of Liberty uniform, spinning a dollar bill, telling you he’ll do your taxes,” said Mosby. “There is no reason to avoid the process because it’s critical that you do it and that you do it in the hands of folks who actually care. That’s why I believe so much in the CASH Campaign.”
Megan Sayles is a Report For America corps member.
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