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QUALIFYING TAXPAYERS COULD EARN UP TO A $4,716 REFUND

Taxes are due in one week, and many Americans are scrambling to finish them up to meet the April 15 deadline.

United Way of Southern Nevada has been helping eligible individuals receive as much of a refund as they can get through its Earn !t Keep !t Save !t program.

According to the United Way, eligible taxpayers who earned less than $39,783 in 2007 might be able to receive an Earned Income Tax Credit refund of up to $4,716, even if no taxes are owed.

In order to claim the money, taxpayers must file an income tax return, even if their incomes are low enough that they would not normally file returns. While the payment is more generous for people with dependent children, very low-income singles and married couples may also qualify.

Also, to qualify for the 2008 stimulus payment in May, individuals must file a tax return, even if they may not normally file.

According to the Internal Revenue Service and United Way, 16 percent of qualifying Clark County families received the EITC.

Partners of the Earn !t Keep !t Save !t program are providing free tax preparation and e-filing for qualified individuals at 19 sites in Clark County. The program also offers other services, including bilingual counseling in the areas of credit and debt relief, financial education and homeownership.

For information on where to receive free tax preparation, dial 211 or visit www.nevada211.org.