The Federal Reserve received an unprecedented amount of comments on proposed regulations to stop unfair and deceptive credit card practices. More than 5,300 Ohioans contributed to Ohio Treasurer Richard Cordray's “Speak Out” campaign. Our voices have been heard and the rules have been adopted. Stay up to date on developments like these.

"The hardest thing in the world to understand is the income tax."
Albert Einstein

Ever since the days of the Boston Tea Party, Americans have loathed and feared paying taxes. Fortunately, many sources of help can make income tax time a bit less stressful. Tax clinics, tax software, and online assistance are available to taxpayers. Listed below are some of the options that you can explore to get help and see what best fits your needs.

You do not need to use a professional tax preparer to file your taxes and if you do, there are some free options available from the IRS and local and state governments. You can learn more about them at www.yourmoneynowonline.org.

To obtain the maximum tax refund you need to claim all items you are entitled to claim. To assist your tax preparer review the items listed below and take them to the tax preparation session. Don’t forget to check to ask whether you are eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit.

“Nothing in life is certain except death and taxes.” – Benjamin Franklin (1706–1790), Founding Father and Statesman

The start of a new year means W-2s and tax time. Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (or “VITA”) programs are available throughout Ohio to prepare returns at no cost for taxpayers of low to moderate income (generally $39,000 and below). In most of Ohio’s metropolitan areas, free VITA tax preparation can be scheduled by calling 2-1-1. If 2-1-1 service, is not available in your area, call the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) at 800-906-9887. There is also nothing wrong with preparing your own taxes.