NEWBERRY — Tax season is upon us again and The Benefit Bank of South Carolina (TBB-SC) wants to help South Carolina residents obtain free access to filing their federal and state income taxes. This web-based, completely safe and secure tax filing service provides easy to use, step-by-step instructions and an expert system designed to maximize refunds and tax credits. The system has all the expertise—users just answer questions to complete the process. Tax returns can be filed electronically for individuals and/or couples with income of $60,000 or below. With direct deposit, clients can receive their refund in 10 days or less. Clients may access the system by visiting www.tbbsc.org (click on “File taxes or FAFSA).

“Each year, many eligible taxpayers miss out on getting free tax preparation assistance because they either don’t know it is available or they don’t know where to get it”, said Tricia Richardson, TBB-SC Director. “Furthermore, at least one in every four taxpayers eligible for the EITC fails to claim the credit. Our service looks for and identifies tax credits for the user, making the entire process easy and painless.”

After filing taxes on the self-serve system, clients may also electronically file for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA); used by colleges and universities to determine eligibility for federal student aid including grants, loans, and work-study. All the information submitted to file tax returns can automatically populate to FAFSA when filing through the TBB-SC service.

Each year, millions of dollars in tax credits and other supports go unclaimed. Millions more are lost to Refund Anticipation Loans (RAL) annually. Claiming these dollars help sustain individuals and families while bringing more money to communities to help boost their economies.

If clients are not comfortable with using web-based applications, they may seek help at participating TBB-SC member organizations. There trained counselors can assist with tax filing, as well as, filing for potential work supports, such as health care coverage, child care subsidies and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (formerly Food Stamps).

A Self Service Clinic with assistance from a TBB-SC counselor will be at Newberry County Library Jan. 30 from noon-5 p.m.