The Six County Association of Governments is now R6 Regional Council.
We improve local government coordination of mutually beneficial programs.
Life’s a little easier with EITC: Earned Income Tax Credit
Earned Income Tax Credit is for people who work for someone else or own or run a business. To qualify, you must have low to mid income. If you qualify, you must file a federal tax return to get EITC even if you owe no tax and are not required to file. With EITC (sometimes called EIC), you could pay less federal tax, pay no tax, or receive money back.
The amount of EITC changes based on:
- if you are single or married; and,
- if you have no children or the number of children living with you.
All people eligible for EITC have seven things in common:
- Have earned income
- Have a valid Social Security number
- Do not file as married filing separately
- Generally are not a nonresident alien
- Are not a qualifying child of another person
- Are not filing Form 2555 or Form 2555-EZ
- Have limited investment income
Four most common EITC filing errors:
- Claiming a child who does not meet the qualifying tests for age, relationship and residency.
- Filing as single or head of household when married.
- Under or over reporting income or expenses.
- Social Security number and last name mismatches .
Want to file your taxes for free?
Anyone who makes under 79,000 can get their taxes done at no cost. Contact our VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) program at 435-893-0728 or 435-893-0722 to make an appointment or to find out more information.
Your preparer, whether paid or volunteer, needs to ask many questions to file your return correctly.
Going for tax help or return preparation? Go prepared with:
- Valid driver’s license or other photo id card for you and your spouse if filing a joint return.
- Social security cards or a Social Security number (SSN) verification letter for all persons listed on the return.
- Birth dates for all persons listed on return.
- All income statements: Forms W-2 and 1099, Social Security, unemployment, and other statements, such as pensions, stocks, interest and any documents showing taxes withheld. If self-employed or you own or run a business, bring records of all your income.
- All records of expenses, such as tuition, mortgage interest, or real estate taxes. If self-employed or you own or run a business, bring records of all your expenses.
- Copies of last year’s state and federal tax returns, if you have them.
- Bank routing numbers and account numbers to direct deposit any refund.
- Dependent child care information: name and address of who you paid and either the caretaker’s SSN or other tax identification number.
- Both spouses to sign forms to e-file your joint tax return.
CEDS Report: Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy
You may download the most recent CEDS report here (.pdf format).
Community Impact Board: County Capital Improvements Priority Lists
Free Help for Marketplace Insurance
R6 Regional Council received a new Navigator Grant to assist consumers with signing up for Marketplace Insurance.
The Health Insurance Marketplace is open! Enroll by December 15 for coverage that starts January 1.
- November 1: Open Enrollment starts — first day you can enroll in, renew, or change health plans through the Marketplace for the coming year. Coverage can start as soon as January 1.
- December 15: Last day to enroll in or change plans for coverage to start January 1.
- January 15: Open Enrollment ends — last day to enroll in or change Marketplace health plans for the year for coverage to begin on Feb 1. After this date, you can enroll in or change plans only if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.
- You can apply for free or low-cost coverage through Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) at any time.
Bienvenido al Mercado de Seguros Médicos | CuidadoDeSalud.gov
This website is supported by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $15,000 with 100 percent funded by CMS/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by CMS/HHS, or the U.S. Government.
To understand more about using your health coverage, visit Navigate Your Coverage | CMS.
- What is an SEP?
You qualify for a Special Enrollment Period if you’ve had certain life events, including losing health coverage, moving, getting married, having a baby, or adopting a child.Depending on your Special Enrollment Period type, you usually have 60 days before or 60 days following the event to enroll in a plan. You can enroll in Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) any time.
Job-based plans must provide a Special Enrollment Period of at least 30 days.
- Navigator role
An individual or organization that’s trained and able to help consumers, small businesses, and their employees as they look for health coverage options through the Marketplace, including completing eligibility and enrollment forms. These individuals and organizations are required to be unbiased. Their services are free to consumers.
- Prepare for appointment
The Health Insurance Marketplace® requires some information to create an account, verify your identity, estimate your income, and see how much financial assistance you qualify for. What information to bring to your appointment:
An email address with access to check your email to create a username and password
Home and/or mailing address
Social Security Number (or document numbers for legal residents) and birthdates for everyone in your household who needs coverage.
Detailed information about your employer’s insurance Employer Coverage Tool (if offered)
An estimate of what your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) will be for next year (MAGI) How to estimate your expected income and count household members | HealthCare.gov. You may be asked to provide income information for members of your household (e.g. pay stubs, income verification letter from employer, W-2 forms, tax returns)
Immigration documents may be requested (eg I-94, green card) (if applicable) List of current doctors/providers and medications (if applicable)