Grove City Messenger - February 20th, 2022

www.columbusmessenger.com
County provides funding for tax assistance
The Franklin County Commissioners voted to
approve $75,000 to support free tax preparation services
for low- and middle-income residents and families.
The contract between Franklin County
Department of Job and Family Services and the
United Way of Central Ohio supports Tax Time, a
coalition of non-profit, business and government partners
that help residents maximize their returns, avoid
preparation fees and build wealth.
“Filing taxes can be confusing and even intimidating.
Tax Time helps ensure Franklin County residents
and families get every cent they’re owed — including
their expanded Child Tax Credit — and avoid costly,
sometimes predatory tax preparation services,”
Deputy Franklin County Administrator Joy Bivens
said. “We’re proud to continue to partner with United
Way and its network of volunteers to offer this reliable,
no-cost option for working families.”
Tax Time combines the United Way’s Volunteer
Income Tax Assistance program as well as AARP’s Tax
Counseling for the Elderly Program under one umbrella.
This tax season, residents will be able to access free
tax preparation services both virtually, as well as inperson
at dozens of sites across Franklin County. Tax
Time’s IRS-certified volunteers can also help families
claim their full Child Tax Credit, Earned Income Tax
Credit and any remaining stimulus dollars they are
owed.
Households that earned up to $66,000 last year are
eligible and can learn more by calling 211 or visiting
Pet Corner
Pets of the week
GetYourRefund.org/UWCO.
Feb. 8 also marked the White House’s Child Tax
Credit and Earned Income Tax Credit Day of Action.
The American Rescue Plan ACT (ARPA) increased the
amount and expanded eligibility for both credits in
2021. The Center for Community Solutions estimates
over 270,000 Ohio children were lifted out of poverty or
moved closer to that threshold last year thanks to the
additional money, which families used for expenses
like rent, food and clothing.
The changes to the Child Tax Credit allowed eligible
families to receive half of their credit in the form of
monthly payments that were issued from July through
December. However, families must file their 2021
return to claim their remaining credit — or the entire
credit if they deferred the monthly payments.
Families can receive up to $3,600 per child, based
on their age. However, the expansion of the credits in
the ARPA was only temporary and will require federal
action to make permanent.
Franklin County supports the expansion of both of
these anti-poverty measures and has continued to
advocate on their behalf through National Association
of Counties (NACo) as well as the local congressional
delegation. Over the summer, Bivens co-sponsored a
NACo resolution with the National Association of
County Human Services Administrators (NACHSA)
supporting legislation to make the expansions in the
ARPA permanent.
Visit ChildTaxCredit.gov to learn more.
These furry friends are available for
adoption at local rescues and shelters
February 20, 2022 - GROVE CITY MESSENGER - PAGE 11
Chickie, 4, and her brother,
Dovie, are looking for a loving,
stable home. They would prefer
to be in a quiet home where
they can be the center of attention.
They must stay together.
Chickie is a big black and white
puff ball who loves attention
and guards the house from
intruders. She is good with children
and dogs. Adopt her from
Friends for Life Animal Haven.
FYI: fflah.org
Dovie, 4, is a talker and loves to
sleep and cuddle with a human.
He is mostly white with black
patches on the back of his neck
and tail. He is playful and likes
to jump up on shoulders. Dovie
does well with small dogs, but
bullies larger dogs. He does not
do well with other cats. He
prefers the company of his
bonded sister, Chickie. Dovie is
available for adoption through
Friends for Life Animal Haven.
FYI: fflah.org
Mr. Mater loves food, treats,
and toys. He minds his manners,
is housebroken, and is a
pretty laid-back guy most of the
time. Mater enjoys car rides and
could spend the entire day
snuggling. He is calm and
respectful. This cuddly boy is
beyond ready to find his forever
home. Adopt him from the
Franklin County Dog Shelter.
FYI: franklincountydogs.com
Andrew has been waiting a
long time to find The One.
Andrew promises to provide
free kisses for a lifetime. He is a
quiet, well behaved guy who is
gentle in nature and loves nothing
more than his toys. He is a
70 pound lap dog who would
prefer to be an only pet. Adopt
Andrew from the county shelter.
FYI: franklincountydogs.com
Anita Darling
Anita Darling is a sweet, smart girl who knows her name. She is a bit of a talker and definitely
a bed buddy. Raised with other cats and kids, Anita Darling has just arrived at the adoption
center after spending time in a foster home. She is eager to find a forever family. Adopt her
from Colony Cats.
FYI: colonycats.org