February 13, 2006- NORTON AND IRAQ D.C. GUARD MEMBER STRESS FREE TAX SERVICES AND TAX SCAMS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 13, 2006
NORTON AND IRAQ D.C. GUARD MEMBERSTRESS FREE TAX SERVICES AND TAX SCAMS
Washington, DC. A record number--almost 600 D.C. taxpayers--got their federal and District tax forms prepared free of charge or received tax information at Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton’s 6th annual tax fair at the Washington Convention Center on Saturday, February 11. At a news conference during the fair, Norton**with Lt. Yolanda Lee, a member of the D.C. National Guard back from Iraq** urged members of the Guard, the reserves, and other residents to take advantage of free tax services available throughout the city for eligible District taxpayers, and to steer clear of exorbitantly high interest rapid refund loans. Lt. Yolanda Lee, just back from Iraq, discussed her experience with expensive rapid refunds right after her graduation from Ballou High School. Also participating was Major Gen. David Wherley, Commanding General of the D.C. National Guard, who said that members of the Guard benefit from free tax preparation provided on military bases only when they are on active duty, and that, therefore, most members of the Guard and reserves need the free services. Norton said, “Almost double as many D.C. residents came out this year, a sure indication that our residents need this and other free tax preparation services. For sure, residents need to stay away from ‘rapid’ refund preparers, especially Earned Income Tax Credit recipients who form the majority of the users.”
**Picture available via email upon request.**