Copyright © 2006 NLThomas
All Rights Reserved
News from the Cherokee Nation, OK
Copyright © 2006 CNO
TAHLEQUAH, OKLAHOMA - Cherokee Nation Community Services will once again be partnering with the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to offer free tax preparation throughout the Cherokee Nation. Participating offices will be located in Tahlequah, Catoosa, Pryor, Stilwell, Dry Creek, Greasy, Sallisaw, Vinita, Warner and Jay.
Cherokee Nation Resident Service Coordinator Pam Bakke reviews new IRS tax rules for the upcoming tax filing season. The Cherokee Nation will be offering free tax preparation throughout the Cherokee Nation for tribal citizens and non-citizens alike. 
“We have been making this service available for over 20 years,” said Pam Bakke, Cherokee Nation Resident Service Coordinator. “Each year we serve around 1,000 people.”
The tax preparers are volunteers trained using materials provided by the IRS to provide preparation services in forms 1040EZ, 1040A, 1040, 1040-V, 1040-ES, 2241 (child and dependent care credit), 8863 (education credit) and 8812 (child tax credit).
The service is available to Cherokee Nation citizens and non-citizens alike, regardless of income level. The returns are electronically filed with the IRS and refunds can be direct deposited into the individual’s account in about two weeks.
Bakke added that anyone with more complicated returns other than those listed above need to consult with a paid preparer.
“The average person pays between $140 and $250 to have a paid preparer do their taxes,” Bakke said. “The people who have taken advantage of this service have been very appreciative.”
Those wishing to use the service should bring copies of all W-2, 1098 and 1099 forms, Social Security or tax identification numbers for all dependents on the return, the provider’s address and tax identification number for Child/Dependent Care Credit, form 8332 or a copy of any divorce decree for non-custodial parent claiming a child, a copy of the filer’s prior year’s tax return, and account and routing numbers for direct deposit of any refund.
For more information on the service, as well as times and locations, contact Bakke, phone: 918-453-5347 or toll-free at 1-800-256-0671 (ext.5347).
| Related Cherokee Nation contact information: |
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Mike Miller, Cherokee Nation Director of Communications Phone: 918-456-0671 (ext.2210) Fax: 918-458-5580 E-mail: Communications@cherokee.org
Larry Daugherty, Advertising Manager |
Steven Swogger, Agriculture Liaison Natural Resources Department Phone: 918-456-0671 (ext.2546) FAX: 918-458-7673 E-mail: sswogger@cherokee.org
Bradley D. Peak, Cherokee Nation |