Residents Hunger for Free Tax Preparation and Financial Services at Norton Tax Fair (3/1/2010)
Residents Hungry for Free Tax Preparation and Financial Services at Norton Tax Fair
March 1, 2010
WASHINGTON, DC - Several residents at a press conference during an Annual Tax and Financial Services Fair Saturday, spoke of money they had saved using tax breaks Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) had gotten for them. They were among more than 315 residents, who turned out for Norton's free extended Tax and Financial Services Fair. "The large turnout this year respected the effects of this tough economy on my constituents," Norton said. "Folks were so drawn by the entire package of financial services we offered for the first time this year, that we will do a combination tax and financial services fair next year, too." Many attended for one-on-one advice from 15 services provided by credit and mortgage counselors and college financial aid experts, IRS Tax Payer Advocate that helps taxpayers resolve disputes with the IRS, and other services. Residents were able to open a credit union account with just $5 at any of the four credit unions at the Fair, get tested for HIV/AIDS, and receive applications for Census jobs on the spot.
At the press conference, Anacostia resident Gloria Madden told of both tax breaks and government grants she had received, including Tuition Assistance Grants (T.A.G.) for both her sons, and the $5,000 homeowners tax credit, both Norton bills, as well as the Historical Homeowner grant, which Norton convinced the IRS not to tax. T.A.G. pays up to $10,000 a year for District students to attend any public college in the country at in-state rates and private colleges here. District residents can qualify for the Congresswoman's $5,000 homebuyer tax credit, in some cases when they do not qualify for the stimulus-funded federal $8,000 tax credit. The Historical Homeowner Grants are available for residents who live in the District's Anacostia, Blagden Alley/Naylor Court, Capitol Hill, LeDroit Park, Mount Pleasant, Mount Vernon Square, Mount Vernon Triangle. Shaw, Striver's Section, and Takoma Park neighborhoods, and on U Street and 14th Street, N.W.
Rosie Hyde Givens, also of Historic Anacostia shared her story of benefitting from tax relief from the Historic Homeowner Grant to restore her 105-year-old house. Chase Weir, CEO, Distributed Sun, a District start-up greening company, spoke about the company's recent approval for stimulus funds. Lori Jankalski, vice president, Consumer Credit Counseling Services, Inc., informed residents of consumer-oriented changes that have just become effective through the new credit card bill, and Rebecca Mack-Johnson, IRS, director, Strategy and Finance, told of a new IRS initiative to regulate paid tax preparers and hold tax preparation companies accountable.
Norton said that free tax preparation would be available through April 15th by appointment by calling Jackie Pelt at 202-641-6939. "She provides free tax preparation because D.C. residents should not have to pay to pay Uncle Sam when they do not have a vote in Congress!" Norton said. However, she expects the D.C. Voting Rights Act to clear Congress in the next few weeks.