SPOKANE -- Tax season is picking up as people start collecting their W-2 forms. One Spokane tax service says it's coming off the busiest week so far this tax season. There are not only new customers but many want to file early.
Liberty Tax Service, located on North Division, says it has seen many more early filers this year compared to last.
"We have had an increase in early season filers this year. We are actually about 40% ahead of last year, a lot of it due to that people are getting their tax information earlier, this year online, a lot of unemployment claims, a lot of people filing first time home buyers credit," said Liberty Tax Service C.P.A. Dave Schafer.
Schafer and other C.P.A.'s at Liberty Tax Service say a great number of the clients they've seen so far this year are people trying to take advantage of a few new tax credits. One is the first time home buyers credit which gives a refund of $8,000. Also new this year is the earned income credit which has been increased to provide a refund for up to three children. In the past, it was only two.
More students have also been coming in. That's because this year, full-time students can get money back on what they paid for books and tuition, up to $1,000.
"Tuition fees, school fees, books this year are refundable, the books that are required for your education, some students can take advantage of refundable credits, and that's new this year," said Schafer.
Schafer says last week was so busy because employers are required to provide employees with their W-2's by January 31st. Right after, they saw that rush. But they say things should start to taper off.
