Prescott, Ariz. (Jan. 7. 2010) — Catholic Charities Community Services is providing free tax preparation for low-moderate income families and individuals in Cottonwood, Prescott, Prescott Valley and Rim Rock. The agency's goal is to help those in need receive their maximum return, including the Federal earned income tax credit.

"We wanted to get the word out now, before people started doing their taxes, so they know they can come to us," said Haley Hyatt, volunteer coordinator for Catholic Charities. "In the past, some of our clients paid their hard-earned money to have their taxes prepared, and yet did not receive all the deductions and credits they deserved."

Families with children and a household incomes under $43,000, and individuals with incomes under $13,000, may qualify for the earned income tax credit, as well as other tax credits and deductions.

"With $5,657 as the maximum earned income tax credit, it is vitally important that those in our community who think they may qualify call us," said Hyatt. "We want to help those who need it the most, get every cent they deserve to support themselves and their families, and we don't want them to pay to get it."

Joya Schmidt, now a Catholic Charities employee, volunteered as a tax preparer last year because she understands firsthand what a difference the earned income tax credit can make to those in need.

Just a few years ago, Schmidt, a single mother of two, was homeless. The first year she received her earned income tax credit, she purchased a car.

"That was the first car I owned that was in good enough shape to leave the county," recalled Schmidt. "It also helped me establish credit in my name."

The next year, Schmidt used her earned income tax credit to pay off the car. The following two years, Schmidt saved her tax credits for a down payment on a house.

"In five years, I went from being homeless to being a homeowner," said Schmidt. "That's why I know how important it is for those in need to receive their earned income tax credits and not have to pay hundreds of dollars to have their taxes done. The credit is a real tool to help people achieve financial stability."

Catholic Charities Community Services is providing tax preparation in partnership with the City of Cottonwood, New Horizons, Northern Arizona Council of Governments, United Way and Yavapai Long Term Care.

The effort is part of Project HOPE, a Catholic Charities program to help those in need escape poverty and improve their financial situations permanently.

Catholic Charities Community Services is an IRS-certified Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program provider. The agency will begin offering free tax preparation in early February and continue through April 15.

For more information, call 928.708.7279 or e-mail hhyatt@cc-az.org.