'Most times, the only thing standing between a family and a check for up to $4,824 is being aware of the program,' said CNHA president Robin Puanani Danner, referring to the Earned Income Tax Credit. CNHA is one organization offering free tax help for families in an effort to bring more cash into Hawaiian households. - Photo Illustration: T. Ilihia Gionson

Hawaiian organizations providing free tax help

By T. Ilihia Gionson / Ka Wai Ola

"It's estimated that over $45 million (in unclaimed tax credits) was left on the table by Hawai'i residents for the 2007 tax year," said Robin Puanani Danner, president and chief executive officer of the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement.

In hopes of helping working families claim more tax credits this year, CNHA is among the organizations partnering with the Aloha United Way's Family Self-Sufficiency Program to provide free tax help to 'ohana earning up to $42,000. That's the cutoff for the federal Earned Income Tax Credit, one of the ways that Volunteer Income Tax Assistance sites statewide can help put more cash back in the pockets of families.

"Most times, the only thing standing between a family and a check for up to $4,824 is being aware of the program," Danner said of the Earned Income Tax Credit.

To claim the Earned Income Tax Credit, income and adjusted gross income for a married couple must each be less than $41,646 with two or more keiki, $36,995 with one keiki, or $15,880 with no keiki. For a single taxpayer, the limits are $38,646 with two or more keiki, $33,995 with one keiki, and $12,880 with no keiki.

The maximum credits for the 2008 tax year are $4,824 with two or more keiki, $2,917 with one keiki, and $438 with no keiki.

CNHA and Alu Like's services are part of a larger effort led by Aloha United Way to offer tax-preparation help for families. "It provides a service to middle- and low-income families, but also to people who may not ordinarily file their taxes. Some kūpuna don't have income, but if they file a tax return, they can get refund," said Alan Do, coordinator for Alū Like's involvement in the VITA program. "It's a good service."

For information on other groups providing similar services, and on where you can receive their help, visit Aloha United Way's hawaiitaxhelp.org.

Free tax help Alu Like O'ahu Kaka'ako: 458 Keawe St. Appointments: 808-636-6912 Kaua'i Līhu'e: Kaua'i Island Center, 2970 Haleko Road, #205 Appointments: Bricen, 808-635-5970 CNHA CNHA's tax sites will be open on Thursdays and Fridays, from 5 to 8 p.m., and Saturdays, from 9 to 1 p.m. For appointments on Neighbor Islands, call Terri at 800-709-2642. On O'ahu, call 808 596-8155. Hawai'i HIlo: 260 Kamehameha Ave., Ste 212 Maui Paukūkalo: 655 Kaumuali'i St. O'ahu Waimānalo: 41-1537 Kalaniana'ole Hwy, Ste 314 Kaka'ako: 1050 Queen St., Ste 200 Papakōlea: 2150 Tantalus Dr Kaua'i Anahola: 4523 Ioane Rd For more Volunteer Income Tax Assistance sites, visit hawaiitaxhelp.org.