Tucson Region

Campaign aids low-wage earners

Volunteers will help low-income workers prepare their tax returns at seven sites in or near Tucson starting Tuesday. They'll also be trying to raise awareness of the so-called earned income tax credit. The IRS estimates about 11,000 eligible local workers lose money by failing to claim the key benefit that was intended to help the needy. Among those eligible for that credit: A married couple with two children and an income of less than $35,458 could receive up to $4,300, said Erin Markley, a program manager for the United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona. The average received under that credit was $1,800 per Pima County family that had its tax returns prepared by the IRS-trained volunteers, Markley said. The campaign has added two more sites as it aims to prepare about 2,000 returns this year, up from 1,150 last year. The local United Way, the city of Tucson, Pima County and other groups support the campaign. Workers should take all W-2 and 1099 forms for 2004, Social Security cards for themselves and all dependents, a copy of last year's tax return, and information for all deductions and credits.