The Earned Income Tax Credit varies, based on income and family size.
This year, the EITC income thresholds range from $13,980 ($19,190 married filing jointly) to $45,060 ($50,270 married filing jointly) with three or more qualifying children.
The maximum credit is $475 for taxpayers with no qualifying children; $3,169 with one; $5,236 with two and $5,891 with three or more.
Here are details about free tax preparation:
• For information about free services, call Summit County’s Info Line at 211 or 330-376-6660.
• The Akron Summit Community Action agency, through the Akron Summit Earned Income Tax Credit Program, offers free tax preparation for low- and moderate-income residents by appointment. Volunteer preparers help taxpayers determine eligibility for the Earned Income Tax Credit. Call 1-866-861-6401.
The agency also offers what are called Super Refund Saturday sessions in which no appointments are needed. The schedule: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. 16, Feb. 23 and March 2 at Akron Summit Community Action, 670 W. Exchange St., Akron.
A similar Saturday event will be 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 16 at the Barberton Parks and Recreation Active Adult Division, 500 W. Hopocan Ave.
Free tax-preparation clinics will be at the University of Akron. Appointments should be made through the UA website, www.uakron.edu/cba/acct. Look for the box that says “VITA Information.”
• Most Ohio households with incomes of less than $60,000 are eligible to file for free through the Ohio Benefit Bank. Go online to www.ohiobenefits.org and click on “Benefit Bank Locator.” Call 1-800-648-1176. Taxpayers can also file their federal, state and school district taxes online at the site.
• AARP tax aide volunteer counselors assist low- to middle-income taxpayers, also focusing on individuals age 60 or older. Information is available at 888-227-7669 or online at: www.aarp.org/money/taxes/aarp_taxaide/. In Summit County, sites are at many library branches. Appointments are required except at the Student Union at the University of Akron and the Quirk Cultural Center in Cuyahoga Falls. Hours at the Student Union at UA are 1 to 5 p.m. Wednesdays and 1 to 7 p.m. Thursdays. The site is closed Feb. 21 and March 7.
Hours at the Quirk Cultural Center are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays.
— Compiled by Katie Byard