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Show SOUTHERN UTAH NEWS News WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 12, 2003 More people in Utah, especially military, eligible for EITC a do not in of the child and who The Internal Revenue Service reminds taxpayers that changes in the Earned IncomcTax Credit ( EITC ) law will expand the number of working taxpayers, especially military personnel, who qualify for tax relief. The IRS urged taxpayers to review EITC requirements to determine their eligibility. February marks the month in which a peak number of EITC claims are filed. The IRS is working to provide help in several ways: Many local IRS offices nationwide will be open Saturdays in February to specifically help people with EITC claims. Tax assistance sites operated by volunteers will begin opening in February. low-inco- taxpayers determine their eligibility. Also, taxpayers can use IRS.gov (www.irs.goveitc) to answer questions and determine eligibility. According to the IRS, 109,856 Utah taxpayers claimed the EITC for tax year 2001, and received $174,361,227 in earned income tax credit. Both the income limits and the maximum credit have increased for the 2002 tax year with the automatic cost of living calculations. To be eligible for a full or partial credit, a taxpayer must have an adjusted gross income of less than: $33,178 ($34,178 married filling jointly) and two or more qualifying children; $29,202 ($30,202 MFJ) and TaxpayerscanvisitIRS.gov one qualifying child; to see if they qualify for free $11,060 ($12,060 MFJ) with Internet tax preparation and no children. The maximum earned income electronic filing through IRS Free File. credit is $4, 140 for families with Ameri- two or more qualifying children, More cans can receive tax relief or $2,506 for families with one even a tax refund because of qualifying child and $376 for an changes in this credit. We want individual without children. all those who are eligible, but Among the significant changes only those who are eligible, to for the 2002 tax year was a reapply, said Acting IRS Com- definition of what constitutes missioner Bob Wenzel. earned income. Now, earned ina For complete list of EITC come no longer includes nontax-abl- e income such as military pay requirements, taxpayers should review Publication 596, which is for housing, subsistence allowhard-workin- g available on IRS.gov or by call- ances or combat. The change will ing 1 expand the number of military Publication 596 con- personnel who may be eligible tains a worksheet that helps for the credit. Also benefiting file are people they participate salary deferral plans such as joint return together, the parent 401(k) and Thrift Savings or with whom the child lived the longest during the tax year, people who receive employer-provideIf both persons are parents benefits such as deof the child, they do not file a pendent care benefits. inOther significant changes joint return together, and the child lived with both for the same clude: be will Income calculations length of time during the tax based on adjusted gross income, year, the parent with the highnot modified adjusted gross in- est adjusted gross income. If you and your spouse are the come. Eligible foster children must parents and file jointly, these live with a guardian more than rules do not apply. Free tax help is available from half a year, reduced from a rule. many sources such as the VoFor taxpayers who are mar- lunteer Income Tax Assistance ried filing jointly, "the maximum (VITA) and the Tax Counseling adjusted gross income limit is for the Elderly (TCE) programs. $1,000 more than other filing In 2002, there were 5,200 VITA sites nationwide. VITA volunstatuses. EITC is no longer reduced teers assisted more than 1.7 amount of any alterna- million taxpayers. the by tive minimum tax. Many of the more than 400 IRS Taxpayer Assistance CenUnder the new two have the if same ters, usually located in IRS local rule, people qualifying child, you can choose offices, will open nationwide which person will use the child February 8, 15 & 22. The peak to claim EITC. However, if you period coincides with the receipt both claim the credit using the of W-- 2 income statement forms same child, the child will be from employers. treated as the qualifying child of People who want to prepare only one person. Under the tie- their own tax returns should see breaker rule, the child can be FreeFileonIRS.gov. Many individuals may qualify treated as a qualifying child only for online tax preparation and by: The parent, if one person is electronic filing for free as part the childs parent, of an IRS partnership with privaThe person with the highest te-sector software firms. Inadjusted gross income, if nei- dividuals are under no obligather person is the childs parent, tion to purchase any product in If both persons are parents return for the free services. Kane School Board meeting District Office Thursday, Feb. 13 Work meeting 4 pan. d one-ye- ar tie-break- er low-inco- v -- v Cary Reese 2. Review regular board meetVv ing agenda . ' School Board of 3. Review goals T 5 Agenda pan. I Welcome ; ; : y A. Swearing in of Board Members for new terms B. Election of Board President n II Approval of minutes HI Financial items ' A. Check registers. yy ' TV Information items A. Enrollment y Vp; r 1. Prayer , B. Student Body Presidents C. Western Legends - Robert ; Houston ' y v ; H'h D. Special Education report by Chris Kupfer ;y :r, E. Report on movmg : to KHS F. School Board President , " : f--- :.- , -y,; Pre-Scho- ol '. : Vice President training ; V Public comment period yv;,y VI Consent agenda y; A. Home School applications B. KHS Music Department request for trip to Anaheim, California : y v C. Youth Center lease agreement yy yj VII Discussion items I A. Report to the community B. Review District polides VJII Executive session y:y,y A. Personnel - , , . , $1 0 OFF I I I I I I I I Brake r a Replacement! Q(rS (n) B (jn) - Quality Auto Repair (fv) aSi Utah State Safety Inspections Mufflers $5 OFF Brakes Family Owned and Operated for Over20 Years IM) 6 MONTHS SAME AS CASH! See Store for Details. any Oil Change! Tune-Up- s Diagnostic Services (Check Engine lights) Transmissions itiuuESTun H $10 OFF HEBCUtESl EliRESlBl Computer Wheel Alignment! ransTiTTjniriS DaytunTirc I I I I I I I I I I i J |