Also, there are stiff fines for persons who willfully do not complete the tax return correctly. Furthermore, persons with erroneous EITC claims will be denied EITC eligibility for the next two tax years, and for the next ten years if the claim is fraudulent. To help Arkansans complete tax returns at no charge, there are 60 VITA and TCE sites throughout Arkansas. VITA stands for Volunteer Income Tax Assistance and TCE stands for Tax Counseling for the Elderly. TCE volunteers are also trained to assist EITC filers.
Some cities have multiple sites.
Most sites are open part time during tax season, so watch for announcements on radio or cable stations, in the newspaper or other places in your community. There is more good news. If you or someone you know never filed for the EITC and thinks they are eligible, the taxpayer can file amended returns for the last three years to claim the credit. Also, if a worker has a steady job, he or she can file a W-5 form and receive a portion of the EITC in each paycheck. The EITC is one of the most cost-effective ways to help working families.