Uncle Sam Will Pay You for Working

Even if you owe no taxes, you may be eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit. If you lived with one child in 1996 and your family earned less than $25,078, you can get up to $2,152. If you lived with two or more children in 1996 and your family earned less than $28,495, you can get up to $3,556. For either of these situations, file Form 1040A or 1040 and attach Schedule EIC. If you had no children living with you in 1996 and you earned less than $9,500, and you were between ages 25 and 64, you can get up to $323. File Form 1040 or 1040A or 1040EZ.

For more information on this and other taxing issues -- including how to get free assistance with filling out your tax forms through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program -- call the IRS at (800) 829-1040. Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday afternoons are your best bet for getting through without a long wait. Be sure to document the questions and answers you ask and receive, as well as the name of the person with whom you speak. Keep these records with your copy of your tax return.