Miami, FL-  The City of Miami is joining forces with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and its partners to assist residents who qualify for the Economic Stimulus Package (ESP) in ensuring that they actually receive the incentive.

The IRS is scheduled to send out the “tax rebate” between May and July with the goal of encouraging spending and boosting the economy.  For those residents who file their tax returns every year, the IRS will automatically figure the ESP payment amount and send it to them. However, those who do not file tax returns and receive certain social security or Veterans benefits will have to file a tax return to receive the benefit. Any City of Miami resident who needs assistance or more information on the ESP can take advantage of the City’s free tax preparation sites.

Over 25 City-sponsored locations are offering free tax and Economic Stimulus Package preparation services as part of this year’s campaign, with services provided through April 15th. Eligible residents who file their tax returns at these sites can learn if they qualify to receive a federal income tax refund of up to $4,700 via the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and up to an additional $1,000 per child via the Child Tax Credit (CTC). In addition to tax preparation, most of the sites will also offer city residents Benefit Bank services, which connect them with Federal and State benefits, such as Food Stamps, cash assistance and Medicaid.

The City’s free and low-cost tax preparation campaign thus far has produced over $58 million in EITC returns and more than $142 million in total refunds while providing a valuable service to more than 9,200 low- to moderate-income residents each year. This program saves them more than $840,000 in tax preparation fees.

Partners in the 2008 campaign include the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Eastern Financial Credit Union, Dade County Credit Union, the Benefit Bank, H&R Block and the City’s Economic Initiatives and Neighborhood Enhancement Team (NET) department.

Residents interested in scheduling a tax or Economic Stimulus Package preparation appointment at one of the City-sponsored sites, or City-affiliated H&R Block sites, can call 311.

For more details on eligibility, payment amounts and requirements of the Economic Stimulus package, please visit the IRS web site at

The City of Miami’s FREE tax preparation sites (2008) are listed below. Residents are encouraged to call 311 to schedule an appointment. Super Sites (free tax preparation, in cooperation with the IRS):

Hours of Operation: Mondays-Thursdays, 6-9 p.m. Saturdays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.