FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT:

Vernelle Nelson-Sessoms

(904) 255-6573 x 311

DAYTONA BEACH, FL - December 20, 2000: Central Florida Legal Services, Inc. (CFLS) is pleased to announce that its innovative project, COMMUNITY TAX AID, will be funded through 2002. This renewed effort will enable CFLS to broaden the availability of free tax advice and representation for low and moderate income people in Volusia, Seminole, Brevard, Flagler, St. Johns and Putnam Counties.

Since the project began in June 2000, 26 clients have taken advantage of the free representation in resolving federal tax controversies through COMMUNITY TAX AID. A man whose wife is not legally permitted to work in the US, but has a tax identification number, was advised by a tax preparer to file his return as head of household instead of married. In a random IRS audit, his claim was challenged. He became intimidated during the audit process, and failed to meet some IRS deadlines. As a result, his entire refund was withheld by the Internal Revenue Service. COMMUNITY TAX AID intervened on his behalf and filed an amendment to his original return. He expects to receive his full tax refund very soon.

COMMUNITY TAX AID also provides for Earned Income Tax Credit education and outreach to the non-English speaking population. COMMUNITY TAX AID Program Assistant, Sandra Piquet, is responsible for spreading the word about the Earned Income Credit and how to apply for it to the Spanish-speaking residents of all six CFLS counties. According to Ms. Piquet, "many people I encounter know of the Earned Income Credit, however, they are unaware of their rights to claim this money. It is my job – and my pleasure – to help them get the money they deserve and so desperately need. Some people are eligible to receive up to $3,888."

According to CFLS records, more than 200 individuals have attended presentations focusing on the Earned Income Tax Credit and the federal guidelines governing this program. In her travels, Piquet encountered a single mother of three who had not filed a tax return for 1999 in the belief that she had not earned enough income to make filing a 1040 worth the effort. Not only did this young mother get back the taxes she paid last year, she also received an Earned Income Credit with the assistance of COMMUNITY TAX AID.

The single most significant improvement in overall client service is the addition of monthly Tax Advice Clinics to be scheduled for each CFLS county. These clinics will follow the example of the successful Legal Advice Clinics conducted by the CFLS Volunteer Lawyers Project since 1986. At the Tax Advice Clinics, individuals who meet program income requirements will be able to consult with tax experts to review their individual cases. Many clients who need just an IRS form completed or those with simple questions will be able to resolve their cases at the clinics. Others with more complicated issues that require more in-depth attention will be referred to a CPA or tax attorney. Confidential tax advice and representation offered through COMMUNITY TAX AID are provided free of charge by volunteer attorneys and accountants.

Community Tax Aid will provide confidential advice and representation in disputes with the IRS in a broad range of areas, including:

• Claiming Earned Income Tax Credits
• Documentation to prove Head of

Household

• Innocent Spouse declarations
• Self-Employment taxes
• 1099 vs. W-2 issues
• Responding to letters from the IRS

Tax attorneys and CPAs are urged to call CFLS at 904/255-6573 and ask about COMMUNITY TAX AID.