![]() NEWSLETTER / January 2020 | ||||
South Carolina Legal Services (SCLS) is a non-profit law firm. We provide free legal services in a wide variety of civil (non-criminal) legal matters to eligible low income residents of South Carolina. Our mission is to provide legal services to protect the rights and represent the interests of low income South Carolinians. | ||||
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() | Earned Income Tax CreditThe Earned Income Tax Credit, also known as EITC, is a tax credit that reduces the amount of tax owed or increases a refund due to the taxpayer. To qualify for the EITC, the taxpayer must have earned income from working for someone or from running or owning a business or farm. EITC is one of the largest antipoverty programs. It is important to educate and create awareness about the EITC so those who qualify for this credit can claim it and take advantage of its benefits. | |||
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() | Avoid “Ghost” Tax PreparersWith the start of the 2020 tax filing season near, the Internal Revenue Service is reminding taxpayers to avoid unethical “ghost” tax return preparers. According to the IRS, a ghost preparer does not sign a tax return they prepare. Unscrupulous ghost preparers will print the return and tell the taxpayer to sign and mail it to the IRS. For e-filed returns, the ghost will prepare but refuse to digitally sign as the paid preparer. | |||
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() | 2020 Tax SeasonStarting Monday, January 27, the Internal Revenue Service is accepting and processing federal tax returns. You will have until April 15 to submit your returns for 2019 and pay any taxes you owe. We have put together a list of free resources to help you have a smooth tax season and answer any questions you might have. | |||
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Increase In Funding For Special EducationThe federal government is increasing the budget for special education services and South Carolina will receive a portion of it. Since the 1970’s, school districts have been required to provide certain services that students with disabilities need to meet basic goals. Why do some school districts in South Carolina not spend all the funds provided by the federal government? | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Rock Hill Open HouseOn December 10th, the Rock Hill office held its first Open House for local attorneys, judges, agencies, and organizations. Staff were able to meet with members from the local domestic violence shelter, Rock Hill Housing Authority, and others. State Representative Mike Fanning and several magistrates from Chester county were also present. | |||