Eastern Shore Focus - Show # 68: IRS Tax Tips for 2009

By WESM News / Stephen Williams

PRINCESS ANNE, MD –

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Show Information:

Show Number: 68
Guest(s):
- Jim Dupree - IRS Spokesman for MD, VA & DC
Subject(s): IRS Tax Tips for 2009
Original Airdate: Monday, March 2, 2009
Running Time: 29 minutes

Brief Synopsis:

It's tax time again and this year's deadline of April 15, 2009 is just around the corner. Tax season can be a source of a lot of anxiety - especially for anyone putting it off until the last minute. But filing your taxes doesn't have to be painful.

Now that the new economic stimulus plan is underway, there are a number of new tax breaks and incentives that you can take advantage of during this filing season - to help keep more of your money, in your pocket. That's especially helpful for anyone experiencing the effects of the current recession.

Joining us for this program, via telephone from his office in Baltimore is Mr. Jim Dupree. He's the IRS spokesman for Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia.

Jim will help to explain some of the tax credits available this year, such the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), the Recovery Rebate Credit, and the new Making Work Pay credit - that will result in more take-home pay this spring for millions of Americans.

And he'll talk about the quickest and most effective way to file your taxes, and get a speedy refund even if you don't have a computer.

Additional Resources:

Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
Live Telephone Assistance for Individuals (Toll-Free): 1-800-829-1040
(Hours of Operation: Monday - Friday, 7:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.)
Official IRS Website: http://www.irs.gov/

Free File - The fast, easy, and free way to prepare and e-file your federal taxes online.
http://www.irs.gov/efile/

IRS e-file - Your Electronic Alternatives to Filing Paper Returns
http://www.irs.gov/efile/

Where's My Refund? (IRS Website):
http://www.irs.gov/individuals/article/0,,id=96596,00.html?portlet=4

Highlights of 2008 Tax Law Changes: Tax Breaks Renewed, Recovery Rebate Credit, Homeowner Relief
http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=202106,00.html?portlet=7

The "What Ifs" of an Economic Downturn (and how it will affect your taxes):
http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=201853,00.html?portlet=7

Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC):
http://www.irs.gov/individuals/article/0,,id=96406,00.html?portlet=7

IRS Offers Tips to Avoid Recovery Rebate Credit Confusion
http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=203191,00.html?portlet=7

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program

The VITA Program offers free tax help to low- to moderate-income (generally, $42,000 and below) people who cannot prepare their own tax returns. Certified volunteers sponsored by various organizations receive training to help prepare basic tax returns in communities across the country.

VITA sites are generally located at community and neighborhood centers, libraries, schools, shopping malls, and other convenient locations. Most locations also offer free electronic filing.

To locate the nearest VITA site, call 1-800-829-1040.

Questions or Comments?

E-mail us: wesm913@umes.edu
Or call 410-651-8001