For Pendleton residents looking to get their taxes in order without the financial pinch of hiring an expert, Oregon Department of Revenue staff are set to bring their tax filing assistance to Blue Mountain Community College on April 10, as reported by the Oregon Department of Revenue. The event is primed to guide attendees through the IRS Direct File and Direct File Oregon systems, aimed at ensuring low-income taxpayers don't miss out on claiming federal and state tax credits they're entitled.
This free tax filing assistance will be taking place within the confines of the community college's library from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., offering a hand to those who made up to $66,819 last year and ensuring the spread of awareness about the federal Earned Income Tax Credit and the Oregon Earned Income Credit; both have been historically underclaimed, per IRS and state statistics 25 percent of eligible Oregon taxpayers don’t claim the credits, something the Department of Revenue is eager to change with events that facilitate the tax-filing process.
In 2024, families could look to a potential maximum return of $7,830 from the federal Earned Income Tax Credit and another $940 from the Oregon credit, along with a possible Oregon Kids Credit totaling up to $5,000 - all refundable credits, allowing taxpayers to receive them even without filing requirements provided they submit a federal and state tax return.
The logistical side of things is as straightforward as possible, so before setting foot at the event, taxpayers are encouraged to put some prep work in: check if they meet IRS Direct File eligibility with the IRS's Eligibility Checker online, set up the necessary IRS and Revenue Online accounts following step-by-step guide videos, and bring along pertinent identification and tax documentation to the event – a collaborative effort aiming to tap into the estimated 13,500 Pendleton and Umatilla County residents who could leverage these free filing services.
It's worth noting that IRS Direct File won't suit everyone's needs, especially for those with income like dividends and capital gains or losses, but Oregon's got these folks covered too – further free options and resources being just a visit away on the agency's website for those individuals.
