Entergy Gulf States Louisiana Customers May Qualify for Tax Credit

Submitted by Mary Broussard 

      Baton Rouge, La. — Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, L.L.C. is urging customers to not miss a special tax credit this year that could put money in their pockets.

            The company is sponsoring Voluntary Income Tax Assistance centers across its Louisiana service area to promote the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) to potentially eligible residential customers. Customers who earn $48,362 a year or less may qualify for an EITC from the Internal Revenue Service that could put more than $5,600 in their wallets.   

“The EITC is widely viewed by experts as the single most effective poverty abatement program in the history of the federal government,” said Dr. Pamela Monroe, professor, Louisiana State University School of Social Work. “This tax credit annually lifts thousands of families from the depths of poverty and gives them much needed resources for financial security.”

Entergy Gulf States Louisiana’s efforts complement the IRS campaign to educate taxpayers about the EITC and locations where they can receive free tax services. Along with sponsoring the assistance centers, the company is mailing bill inserts about EITC to approximately 978,000 customers, placing outbound calls to customers and including messages about the credit on My Account Online and on paper bills.

            “It’s part of Entergy Louisiana’s efforts to empower our customers to save money, whether by conserving power, managing energy dollars or maximizing tax credits,” said Entergy Customer Service Manager Mary Broussard. “The IRS estimates that only four out of five eligible workers claim their EITC. We want to help make sure everyone who has earned the credit knows how to file, claim and get it.”

            In the 2009 tax filing season, 525,701 Louisiana residents received tax credits through EITC, according to the IRS.

             “The EITC can make a huge difference in a family’s life, and positively affect Louisiana’s economy,” she said.  “The EITC not only benefits working families, it also reduces demand for public service and benefit programs, and it helps our communities grow stronger.”

 “This is a critical program for many citizens in our community, and Entergy is sharing an important message by raising awareness of an opportunity that could be overlooked,” Broussard said.

Studies show that some families use payments for significant purchases, such as a home or to pay off debts. Families can also use the credit they receive each year to start saving for the future.

To find the assistance site nearest you or information about EITC, customers can call 800-906-9887, visit www.irs.govor visit www.entergy-louisiana.comfor assistance.

Entergy’s Louisiana utility companies serve more than one million customers through the operating companies Entergy Louisiana, LLC and Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, L.L.C. With operations in southern, central and northeastern Louisiana, the companies are part of Entergy Corp’s electric system serving 2.7 million customers in Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi and Texas.

entergy-louisiana.com

Twitter: @EntergyMediaLA