Super Saturday

While football fans are gearing up for Super Sunday, many area residents are looking forward to Super Saturday on Feb. 6. The annual event offers free tax return preparation for qualified taxpayers. It is geared toward low to moderate-income wage earners, especially those who qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). Last year’s participants averaged $2,000 in EITC refunds, ranging from $457 to $5,657.

The event will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Tacoma Goodwill, located at 714 S. 27th St. It is offered by KeyBank, Tacoma Goodwill and Pierce County Asset Building Coalition, which is a collaboration of a number of local organizations.

Anne Foster, who directs public relations for KeyBank in the Northwest, noted that the bank participates in this and similar efforts in 15 cities across the country through its Community Development Banking program. One of KeyBank’s corporate values is to help people achieve financial independence, she explained.

“We help the unbanked get bankable status. This gives them a leg up on getting established.”

Many low-income taxpayers are unaware of the EITC. Officials with the bank estimate that last year in the Tacoma area, about $6.8 million worth of refunds were not collected because people did not realize they qualified for the EITC. Some who do their taxes without assistance use a form that does not explain this tax break, Foster noted. During Super Saturday, participants will use a form designed to help them claim it.

KeyBank employees will volunteer at the event, as well as representatives of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and from various groups that comprise Pierce County Asset Building Coalition. All tax preparers receive training from the IRS, “so we have a high level of confidence in their accuracy,” Foster said.

Returns are filed electronically during the event, which speeds up the time people will need to wait to receive their refunds. Last year a woman who participated was told it would take two weeks, but she ended up getting it in less than one week.

The event has a new home this year at Goodwill’s Milgard Work Opportunity Center, which opened last fall. It has a child care area where participants can drop off their youngsters while filling out their tax returns. Snacks will be served.

Matthew Erlich, a spokesperson for Tacoma Goodwill, said the agency educates people year-round through its financial literacy programs. Many of its clients will participate in Super Saturday.

“We offer a lot of instruction so people can learn responsible ways to save their money,” he said. “Certainly taxes play an important part in that.”

The new location will make the event even better, Erlich noted, due to its ample free parking, child care and the fact three bus lines run near it. “Those are all reasons that make this a handy location. We are very happy to participate.”

In addition, Tacoma Goodwill will offer tax preparation assistance every Tuesday and Thursday from noon to 6 p.m. from Feb. 9 through April 15. For more information call (253) 573-6813.

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