11 tax-preparation centers open to help low-income Philadelphians

Low-income residents have an opportunity to have their taxes done for free at 11 sites in Philadelphia. The centers are paying special attention to whether residents qualify for the earned-income tax credit.

The Campaign for Working Families has offered the seasonal tax-preparation sites for a decade.

“Everything today is real-time online, and you can get your responses from the IRS. It used to take three days, now it takes three hours,” said Pastor Juanita Rivers. Retired from the IRS, she has been doing taxes for 33 years.

Gladys Pompey said she always takes advantage of the free tax preparation. With five children to take care of, she receives the maximum credit.

“Last year, I think I got about $6,000, which is good for us and good for the children,” said Pompey. “I use it for the children. A small amount for me … since I do work I do need a vacation so I had a small vacation.”

Families can make nearly $50,000 and still qualify for the federal earned-income tax credit. Single people with no children are eligible for the credit if they earn about $13,000 or less.