Libraries & Baltimore Orioles team up to promote reading For the second consecutive year, Sarasota County libraries and the Baltimore Orioles are teaming up to promote reading through the Orioles Big League Reader program. Children who sign up for the program and read three or more books in the month of February will receive a reserved grandstand ticket to the Wednesday, March 14, Orioles versus Pittsburgh Pirates game. Last season, over 100 Sarasota-area children completed the program and were eligible to receive a free ticket to an Orioles spring training game. March 14 is also “Kids Run the Bases Day.” Following the game, all kids 14 and under will be invited onto the field to take their turn running the bases. “Just like rounding the bases in a ballgame, each time a child reads a book they advance further on the road to success.” said Sarabeth Kalajian, general manager, Sarasota County library system. During the month of February, children ages 6 and up who read three or more books from any of the nine Sarasota County public libraries will receive a Home Run Reading Card. Upon reading the books and returning them to the library, a library staff member will initial their reading card, which is good for a reserved grandstand ticket to the March 14 game at Ed Smith Stadium. “The Orioles are excited to once again partner with Sarasota County libraries to promote a love of both reading and baseball among area youth,” said Orioles Director of Florida Operations Laura Williams. “Last year’s program was a great success and we look forward to rewarding even more youth who embrace reading this spring.” The Baltimore Orioles spring training season begins at Ed Smith Stadium on Monday, March 5, when the Orioles take on the Pittsburgh Pirates at 7:05 p.m. For more information, contact the Sarasota County Call Center at 941-861-5000 and ask about the Big League Reader program.   Free tax aid offered at libraries and in the community Free tax aid is available at locations throughout Sarasota County for quick filing of federal individual income tax returns at AARP tax aid sites and Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites. Residents who earned $50,000 or less last year can use the VITA tax aid sites in Sarasota County. There are no income limits or age limits at the AARP sites. This service is not for business returns or complex tax issues. The United Way of Sarasota County will operate six VITA sites in Sarasota County as part of a coordinated effort between the United Way’s Financial Stability Partnership and the Sarasota County Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Task Force. The goal is to help ensure that residents who are eligible for the various tax credits receive their earned share. The other 10 tax aid sites will be operated by the AARP Foundation. There are no appointments at the AARP or VITA sites. Four Sarasota County Library locations are AARP tax sites. For the tax assistance schedule at the libraries visit www.sclibs.net/taxes.aspx. Both the AARP and VITA free tax sites allow residents to electronically file their tax returns so they can receive refunds sooner, if eligible. Generally, a refund can be posted to a person’s bank account within seven to 10 days after the visit to one of the AARP or VITA sites. Trained IRS-certified volunteers will be at each location to provide free personal income tax assistance to EITC-eligible residents and older adults (some guidelines apply). Services include responding to questions; assisting eligible persons, including older adults, in filing their taxes; and support in reporting and receiving the benefit of all available and eligible credits, including the EITC and Child Tax Credit. Many people will qualify for the EITC for the first time because their income declined, their marital status changed or they added children to their families. Families with three or more children also get an extra boost with a larger EITC this year. The EITC can make life a little easier for workers struggling to make ends meet in today’s tight economy—up to $5,751 in earned income tax credits. Yet, the Internal Revenue Service estimates one in four eligible taxpayers could miss out on this valuable tax credit. Persons who earned $50,000 or less from wages or self-employment in 2011 are encouraged to see if they qualify. Eligible taxpayers can get their EITC only if they file federal income tax returns – even if they are not otherwise required to file – and specifically claim the credit. Taxpayers should bring the following to help determine their EITC eligibility and to help prepare their tax returns: photo identification total paid for day care valid Social Security cards for the taxpayer, spouse and dependents birth dates for primary, secondary and dependents on the tax return current year’s tax package, if received wage and earning statement(s) Forms W-2, W-2G or 1099-R from all employers interest and dividend statements from banks (Form 1099) Form 1098, mortgage interest/property tax information, if applicable a copy of last year’s federal and state returns, if available bank routing numbers and account numbers for direct deposit other relevant information about income and expenses total paid for day care day care provider's taxpayer identifying number The Sarasota County Commission issued a proclamation recognizing February as Sarasota County Tax Credit Awareness Month. Since these tax credits also are generally spent locally, this helps to improve the county's economy. In addition, this valuable service helps older residents and middle-income and lower-income residents who either need assistance in filing their taxes or who need to consult on a tax issue. For more information, including a link to online EITC filing, visit the Sarasota County government website at www.scgov.net. If you do not have computer access, call United Way 2-1-1 of Manasota Inc. by dialing 211 for more information. Those with mobile or pay phones should call 941-308-4357.