LOUISIANA – Entergy said it is continuing its partnership with community advocates to support free IRS-certified VITA tax preparation services for qualifying customers.
Funding for this effort is provided through shareholder contributions and does not impact customer bills, according to Entergy.
“Services provided through the VITA program help power lives for our customers, who can gain long-term benefits by claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit,” said Patty Riddlebarger, Entergy vice president of corporate social responsibility. “By putting our customers’ hard-earned money back in their pockets, we are helping improve customers’ lives, creating opportunities and strengthening our communities.”
Entergy said at local VITA sites, IRS-certified Entergy volunteers and community partners are available to help residents who earn $57,000 or less determine if they qualify to receive the tax benefits. Qualifying families can receive as much as $6,700 through the Earned Income Tax Credit.
“The Earned Income Tax Credit is one of the nation’s most effective tools for lifting low-income workers and their families above the poverty line. The federal government estimates the Earned Income Tax Credit lifted 5.6 million people out of poverty, including 3 million children, however, it is estimated that one out of five people who qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit fail to claim it.
“Entergy’s goal is to help increase the amount of federal money returned to customers by raising awareness of the credit and supporting VITA sites to help customers avoid high fees and refund anticipation loans,” Entergy said in an issued news release.
According to Entergy, since 2009 it has helped return $280 million to 160,000 residents throughout the company’s utility service area in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. In Louisiana, nearly 65,000 residents have received over $138 million in returns.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many VITA programs are offering drop-off tax preparation services.
Additionally, some locations will also offer financial coaching, budget workshops, free legal services and more. Visit entergy.com/freetaxhelp for more information.
Also due to COVID-19, customers may qualify for an Economic Impact Payment, also known as a stimulus check, of $1,200.
Customers who didn’t receive a stimulus check in 2020 may be able to claim the payment as the Recovery Rebate Tax Credit on their tax return filed in 2021 for tax year 2020.
