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The latest on the Key Bridge collapse, New York puts forth legislation to get clean energy projects on the grid and Wisconsin and other states join a federal summer food program to help feed kids across the country.

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Republicans float conspiracy theories on the collapse of Baltimore's Key Bridge, South Carolina s congressional elections will use a map ruled unconstitutional, and the Senate schedules an impeachment trial for Homeland Secretary Myorkas.

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Historic wildfires could create housing and health issues for rural Texans, a Kentucky program helps prison parolees start a new life, and descendants of Nicodemus, Kansas celebrate the Black settlers who journeyed across the 1870s plains seeking self-governance.

Free Service Can Alleviate the Stress of Tax Time for Some Ohioans

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Monday, January 19, 2015   

COLUMBUS, Ohio - It's time to get cracking on those yearly income tax returns. Starting tomorrow, the Internal Revenue Service begins accepting and processing returns. The Ohio Benefit Bank is offering free tax preparation services for low-and-moderate income individuals and families.

It's supported through the Ohio Association of Foodbanks, the state, and other agencies. Director of work support initiatives Zach Reat says the assistance can alleviate the stress of tax time.

"It really shouldn't be something people have to pay for, especially folks with low incomes and simple tax situations," Reat says. "The Benefit Bank really offers an important opportunity to Ohioans to get their tax return done without cutting holes in other parts of their monthly budget."

Ohioans can file local, state, and federal forms for free online or at one of 1,300 partner sites. To be eligible, taxpayers must make less than $95,000 annually if filing jointly, or less than $65,000 if filing an individual tax return.

The benefit bank can help people file up to three years of previous tax returns. Reat says counselors are available at many sites.

"Any benefit bank counselor preparing a tax return has attended an online training," says Reat. "That goes over the basics of preparing tax returns and really tells a person how to use the benefit bank to help a person prepare their tax return."

Reat says it's important taxpayers ensure they are claiming all the credits for which they are eligible, including the Earned Income Tax Credit. He adds there are also many changes to the tax form regarding the Affordable Care Act.

"If they have had insurance they'll just need to indicate that to the IRS," Reat says. "But if they've not they may need to go through a process to determine whether they are eligible for an exception or if they might be responsible for making the individual shared responsibility payment. "

Last year, the Ohio Benefit Bank helped over 25,000 households file their federal 10-40 form.



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