Miami, FL  - With the 2010 income tax season quickly approaching the April 18^th filing deadline, HSC→Catalyst Miami  (formerly the Human Services Coalition) and the Financial Planning Association (FPA®) of Miami-Dade strive to heighten awareness of the free income tax help, financial counseling, and government assistance available to South Floridians.

Via the Prosperity Campaign outreach initiative, HSC→Catalyst Miamileads community efforts in connecting low-and moderate-wage workers with free tax preparation and filing to capture the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC).

The Prosperity Campaign works intimately with businesses to assist workers with access to publicly-funded economic benefits and financial literacy education to improve quality of life.  Additionally, they are generously supported by the business community which not only contributes time, but donations such as Bank United's recent gift of 30 computers to Prosperity Center and VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) Program partners.

In collaboration with the FPA of Miami-Dade chapter, who has provided pro-bono tax season counseling to South Floridian individuals and families on CBS4 Neighbors 4 Neighbors Phone Banks, here are the following essential pointers for free tax preparation at Prosperity Campaign sites:

• The best way to receive free tax preparation direction and help is to dial 211, 311, or 305-576-5001. Also, see www.prosperitycampaign.org for further details. Services are available in English, Spanish, and Creole.

• The refundable EITC is a tax credit which applies to earned income, such as wages from employment. Households with income of less than $49,000 (for 2010) are qualified for free tax preparation and potentially eligible for EITC.

• To obtain free tax preparation assistance, bring employer W2 and 1099 forms, information on any other income (i.e. Social Security, unemployment, and benefit statements), and photo identifications and Social Security cards (including spouses and children) of all individuals and dependents appearing on the return.