The Taxman Cometh

As that April 15 tax deadline draws closer and closer, it's time to do those taxes again.

If your household income is $49,000 or higher, go to someone like Lou Hershman & Associates, (521 5th St, Whitehall, PA 18052, Phone 610.821.0191). I have several friends who use him, and they swear by the guy. He's reasonable, fast and does it right the first time. He does not try to lend you your refund and charge exorbitant interest.

What if your annual household income is at or below $49,000? Then you are eligible for free tax preparation and e-filing through the Money in Your Pocket campaign. This free service is offered by CACLV spinoff Community Action Financial Services, in partnership with the Internal Revenue Service.

Call (484) 893-1040 now to make your appointment.

Depending on family size and income, you could be eligible for a refund of up to $5,657 with the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). Last year, CACLV filed 1,218 tax returns for low- to moderate-income taxpayers, who received a total of $1,702,967 in refunds (an increase of more than 16% over the previous year) and saved more than $243,600 by avoiding commercial tax preparers and the high-cost refund anticipation loans they offer (assuming the average taxpayer would have spent an average of $200 for these services).

This year, tax preparation locations are in Allentown (Former WIC Office, 824 Hamilton Street; T & W 3-7 pm, Sat. 10 am-2 pm), Bethlehem (CACLV Community Room, 1337 East Fifth St.; M 2-7 pm, Sat. 10 am-2 pm), Easton (Easton Area Public Library, 515 Church Street; T 3-7 pm, Sat. 9:30 am-1:30 p.m.), and Mt. Bethel (Rep. Rich Grucela’s Office, 5 Mt. Bethel Plaza; Th. 1-5 pm).

Community Action Financial Services (CAFS), a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency-certified counseling agency, aims to increase self-sufficiency, financial literacy, and asset-building among low-income people. In addition to our Money in Your Pocket free tax preparation and e-filing (VITA) program, CAFS provides education, counseling, and assistance on home ownership, predatory lending, mortgage foreclosure, individual development accounts, and tenant and landlord rights and responsibilities.