VITA tax preparation sites help working families file for free, keep entire tax refund

JACKSON, Miss. - More than half a million qualified Mississippi families making less than $52,000 a year are missing out on more than $275 million in unclaimed federal tax credits.

Entergy Mississippi, Inc. is partnering with United Way of the Capital Area and local community organizations to help these residents claim their share of these refunds by raising awareness of Earned Income Tax Credits and by supporting Volunteer Income Tax Assistance sites, which prepare taxes for free in local communities.

"Imagine the difference an additional $3,000 or more in federal tax credits could make in the lives of a low-income family working in Mississippi," said John Arledge, Entergy Mississippi vice president of public affairs. "These extra dollars could be used to purchase groceries, medicines and other goods, pay utility bills or even provide education tuition or a down payment on a home."

Based on income and the number of children in the household, qualified working families could get up to $6,000 through EITC.

During Super Tax Day on January 31 in Jackson and throughout tax season, residents who earn less than $52,000 can visit local VITA sites for free assistance in determining if they qualify to receive the tax benefits. VITA volunteers can also help file tax returns for qualifying residents. All VITA services are free of charge and tax preparers are certified by the IRS.

"Entergy's longtime commitment to helping low-income customers achieve self-sufficiency, along with the company's goal to expand local economies, is reflected in this effort to help our customers take advantage of the Earned Income Tax Credit," said Arledge. "As customers receive these credits, they're able to advance their own lives while boosting local economies through spending."

Statistics show that Earned Income Tax Credits have an economic multiplier impact of 1.5 per dollar claimed. In 2013, $25 million was returned to Entergy customers through the program due to Entergy's and its partners' support of the effort to raise awareness of EITC and the assistance given to local VITA sites.

"Entergy will continue to partner with our community advocates in fighting for a better quality of life for our low-income customers," said Arledge.

Entergy Mississippi, Inc. provides electricity to more than 437,000 customers in 45 counties. It is a subsidiary of Entergy Corporation. Entergy Corporation is an integrated energy company engaged primarily in electric power production and retail distribution operations. Entergy owns and operates power plants with approximately 30,000 megawatts of electric generating capacity, including more than 10,000 megawatts of nuclear power, making it one of the nation's leading nuclear generators. Entergy delivers electricity to 2.8 million utility customers in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. Entergy has annual revenues of more than $10 billion and approximately 15,000 employees.

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