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Center Offers Free Tax Preparation

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By LENORA LAKE

llake@tampatrib.com

Published: February 4, 2009

UNIVERSITY AREA - Free income tax preparation services began recently at Hillsborough County's University Area Community Resource Center and will continue until April 15.

The assistance is available from 5 to 8 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays at the center, 13605 N. 22nd St. It is available to households with a 2008 income of $56,000 or less.

Center manager Lucious Davis told the center's advisory board in a meeting Jan. 21 that the service began Jan. 17 but few residents had taken advantage of it yet because most people did not have their W-2 forms, which show earnings and deductions for the year.

"We will be assisting them with child care tax credits and earned-income credits," Davis said, adding that one client was able to take advantage of the savings and was happy when he learned he would receive a $4,000 refund.

Davis also told the board members that the center is in need of donations for its food bank as food requests are increasing daily.

The food bank is often supplied through drives at local schools. However, many families at schools are having financial difficulties. Also the number of students on free or reduced-price lunches is increasing.

"I feel it is inappropriate to go to schools and ask for 500 cans," Davis said.

Anne Pierre, president of Operation Productive Endeavor Inc., said her organization and New Life Tabernacle Church may be able to help with some of the center's clients requesting food.

The groups operate a food bank from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday at the church, 2225 E. 109th Ave.

The county resource center also is preparing for two financial literacy workshops, each six weeks long.

The first is tentatively set to start Feb. 11, Davis told the board.

For information on the workshops, tax assistance or other services, call (813) 975-2153.

Correspondent Lenora Lake can be reached at (813) 865-4851.

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