Mayor’s Office of Employment Development partners with Baltimore CASH Campaign to provide free tax preparation at Northwest One-Stop Career Center

Baltimore MD:

What: Baltimore has more than 18,000 residents who are eligible for the federal Earned Income Credit tax benefit and fail to claim it, representing more than $29 million in unclaimed tax refund dollars that can be used for building the assets of local families. The Mayor’s Office of Employment Development is one of 14 community-based organizations offering free tax preparation through a partnership with the Baltimore CASH Campaign.

When: Join Majic 95.9 FM at Mondawmin Mall on Saturday, February 5, 2005,
from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. to sign up for free tax preparation.

The Baltimore CASH Campaign will offer free tax preparation, by appointment only, from January 29 through March 12, 2005, at the Mayor’s Office of Employment Development’s Northwest One-Stop Career Center located in Mondawmin Mall. Customers should call 410-234-8008 to make an appointment. Evening and weekend hours are available.

Where: Northwest One-Stop Career Center, Mondawmin Mall, suite 302, 2401 Liberty Heights Ave.

Why: The Earned Income Credit (EIC) is a special tax benefit for eligible workers earning less than $35,000 per year for full-time, part-time or temporary employment in 2004. In addition, the state of Maryland also provides an EIC that individuals and families can use to reduce their tax burden. Families are eligible for up to $4,000 depending on income and family situation.

The Baltimore CASH Campaign is the work of a group of non-profit organizations, businesses, government agencies and foundations that are working together to ensure working families in Baltimore are aware of and utilize valuable tax credits and free tax preparation services. www.baltimorecash.org

The Mayor’s Office of Employment Development coordinates and directs workforce development initiatives responsive to the needs of Baltimore City employers and job seekers in order to enhance and promote the local economy.