BENTON TOWNSHIP — Millions of American workers could be missing out on up to $5,751 in federal income tax because they don’t claim the Earned Income Tax Credit, or EITC. To help residents determine their EITC eligibility and claim the credit, Lake Michigan College is offering free tax preparation services at its M-TEC at Lake Michigan College facility located at 400 Klock Rd., Benton Harbor.
LMC accounting students and other college volunteers have gone through training and received IRS certification to assist with tax preparation.
Tax preparation assistance is available on a walk-in basis on the following dates:
n Saturday, January 28, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
n Tuesday, January 31, 4:30 – 8 p.m.
n Tuesday, February 7, 4:30 – 8 p.m.
n Saturday, February 11, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
n Tuesday, February 14, 4:30 – 8 p.m.
n Tuesday, February 21, 4:30 – 8 p.m.
n Saturday, February 25, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
n Tuesday, February 28, 4:30 – 8 p.m.
n Tuesday, March 6, 4:30 – 8 p.m.
n Saturday, March 10, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
n Tuesday, March 13, 4:30-8 p.m.
n Tuesday, March 20, 4:30-8 p.m.
n Saturday, March 24, 9-1 p.m.
n Tuesday, March 27, 4:30-8 p.m.
•         Tuesday, April 3, 4:30-8 p.m.
•         Saturday, April 7, 9-1 p.m.
•         Tuesday, April 10, 4:30-8 p.m.

To help preparers accurately determine EITC eligibility and prepare returns, individuals should bring:
Photo proof of identification
Social Security cards for themselves, their spouse and all dependents, or Social Security number verification letters issued by the Social Security Administration
Birth dates for all persons listed on the tax return
Wage and earning statement(s) Forms W-2, W-2G, and 1099-R, from all employers
Interest and dividend statements from banks (Forms 1099)
Copies of their prior year federal and state returns, if available
Bank routing and account numbers for direct deposit of their refunds
Other relevant information about income and expenses
Amounts paid for day care, if applicable, and the day care provider›s identifying number.
For married couples, both spouses must be present to sign joint returns. Anyone paid to prepare federal income tax returns is required by law to sign the return and enter their Preparer Tax Identification Number.
«EITC is a financial boost for working people in a recovering economy and allows more funds to flow within the community. It›s money that can make lives a little easier,» Iwaniuk said.
Dail-a-Ride is available to provide free transportation for resident. For more information, contact Iwaniuk at (269) 695-2949 or iwaniuk@lakemichigancollege.edu.