Norton to Speak About Payroll Tax Holiday and Unemployment Insurance Extension at Annual Tax and Financial Services Fair on Saturday

WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) will hold a press conference at 11:00 a.m. in the concourse area outside of room 146C in the Walter E. Washington Convention Center during her 12th Annual Tax and Financial Services Fair on Saturday, February 25, 2012. The tax fair runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Convention Center.At the press conference, Norton will be joined by District residents, who will discuss how last week's extension of the payroll tax holiday and unemployment insurance will impact them this year. The payroll tax holiday extension will give the average District family an additional $1,060 a year, while the unemployment insurance extension will help residents stay afloat while they continue looking for work.

Tax professionals from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the D.C. Office of Tax and Revenue will be at the fair to provide free tax preparation services to D.C. residents who file basic tax returns, and tax preparation stations will be onsite to help expedite electronic filing.

"This free tax and financial services fair will provide residents with vital information on tax credits and tax savings by providing counseling on critical financial matters," Norton said.

Norton expanded the Tax Fair several years ago to include a variety of financial services and information residents most desire, such as low-cost credit union banking and loans instead of check cashing and rapid refund loans, where cost and interest are often exorbitant. In addition to credit union representatives, experts will be on hand to help residents access the D.C. Tuition Assistance Grant program (DCTAG), the DC College Savings Plan, education grants, identity theft prevention, and housing, mortgage and credit counseling.

Participants are asked to bring a photo ID, W-2, IRS forms 1098 and 1099, itemized deductions, tax returns, homebuyer settlement statements, and a blank check for direct deposit. Testing for HIV/AIDS will also be available.

Published: February 24, 2012