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Volume 6
Issue 47
February 3 - 9, 2010


Breaking News

Free tax preparation assistance available to East Bay residents

From the Globe News Desk

Oakland

The Oakland Public Library, in partnership with the American Association for Retired Persons, is offering free tax assistance now through April 15. Trained volunteers will help residents fill out their forms at several library locations.

Participants should bring copies of last year’s federal and state tax returns and all materials pertaining to their 2009 tax forms (including details of stimulus checks, if they received any in 2009) for themselves and their spouse (if filing jointly).

For walk-in appointments, arrive early in order to receive a time slot. Seniors ages 60 and up will be given preference at walk-in sites.

Assistance is available at the following locations (call ahead to confirm times):

  • Oakland Main Library (West Auditorium)
    125 14th St.
    Mondays, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.;
    Wednesdays, noon to 4 p.m.;
    Fridays, 12:30 to 4 p.m.;
    Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
    (510) 238-3134
    No advance appointments. Arrive early to sign up for a time slot.

  • César E. Chávez Branch Library
    3301 E. 12th St., Ste. 271
    Wednesdays, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.;
    Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
    Bilingual Spanish/English
    (510) 535-5620
    Call for an appointment. Some walk-ins may be accepted.

  • Dimond Branch Library
    3565 Fruitvale Ave.
    Tuesdays, 12:30 to 4:30 p.m.;
    Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
    (510) 482-7844
    Call for an appointment. Some walk-ins may be accepted.

  • Eastmont Branch Library
    7200 Bancroft Ave.
    Fridays, noon to 4 p.m.
    No advance appointments. Arrive early to sign up for a time slot. 

  • Temescal Branch Library
    5205 Telegraph Ave.
    Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
    (510) 597-5049
    Call for an appointment.

For more information, call (510) 238-3134 or visit www.oaklandlibrary.org/taxhelp/taxhelp.html.

West Contra Costa County

The annual Contra Costa Earn It! Keep It! Save It! (EKS) free tax preparation program helps families and individuals claim the Earned Income Tax Credit, which can amount to up to $5,657 per family. Millions of dollars in tax credits go unclaimed in Contra Costa County every year, said Contra Costa EKS coordinator Carol Perez.

“Many people are unaware of the program and we’re trying to reach out to people who qualify in all areas of Contra Costa County. Tax refunds can make a huge difference for folks who often are struggling to make ends meet,” Perez said.

To qualify for EKS, household incomes must have been less than $52,000 in 2009.  The program runs now through April 15 at locations throughout the Bay Area. For site locations call 211 or visit www.earnitkeepitsaveit.org.

The following sites are offering tax preparation assistance:

  • ♦ El Cerrito Senior Center
    6500 Stockton Ave., El Cerrito           
    Mondays and Wednesdays, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.    
    By appointment only.   
    (510) 559-7677 
      
  • Pinole Senior Center
    2500 Charles Ave., Pinole                
    Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.              
    By appointment only.   
    (510) 724-9800

  • Richmond Senior Center
    2525 Macdonald Ave., Richmond                   
    Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.                
    By appointment only.
    (510) 307-8087

  • Richmond Contra Costa Senior Legal Services
    4006 Macdonald Ave., Richmond                   
    Feb. 6 through April 10
    Call for an appointment.
    (510) 374-3712

  • San Pablo Senior Adult Center
    1943 Church Lane, San Pablo
    Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.   
    By appointment only.
    (510) 215-3095   

  • Samara Terrace
    102 Civic Drive, Hercules
    Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
    Walk-ins only.
    Feb. 20, Feb. 27 and March 27

 
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