News from Representative Gregg Takayama: Updates and community events for the week of Mar. 30 – Apr. 5, 2013:
Art at the Capitol
Friday, April 5, 2013
4:30-7:00pm
Hawaii State Capitol
415 S. Beretania Street
Cost: FREE
In conjunction with the HiSAM's First Friday festivities, the 5th Annual Art at the Capitol is a unique opportunity for the public to view over 460 works of art by local artists placed in the offices of legislators, executive office, and the Public Access Room.
Art placed in public areas of the State Capitol are part of the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts "Art in Public Places" Program.
Please stop by our office (Room 324) during this event to visit us and view the artwork on display here!
———————————————————————————————————————
Unclaimed Tax Refunds
The IRS recently announced that for tax year 2009, approximately 7,200 Hawaii taxpayers have failed to claim almost $7.5 million in refunds. The median potential refund for these taxpayers according to the IRS – $599. The primary reason why so much money remains unclaimed is that many workers make the mistake of not filing a tax return when they earn less than the amount that makes filing a return mandatory. For example, in 2009, a single person with gross income of less than $9,350 was not required to file a federal tax return. However, by not filing a return, that person missed out on receiving a refund of any federal taxes that were withheld from his paycheck.
In addition, the $7.5 million of unclaimed refunds does NOT include federal tax credits, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit, which some taxpayers might also have been entitled to receive in 2009.
The law provides most taxpayers with a three-year window of opportunity for claiming a refund. If no return is filed to claim a refund within three years, the money becomes property of the U.S. Treasury. For 2009 returns, the deadline for filing a return in order to claim a refund is April 15, 2013.
The free tax assistance program at HACBED has certain sites that are able to assist taxpayers in filing their 2009 tax returns. This service is free but available appointment slots are limited and anyone who wants to file a return must have all of the necessary documents – their W-2 and other income information for 2009, picture ID, and an original social security card.
Interested persons can contact the Program Director by emailing [email protected] or [email protected]
Gregg Takayama
State Representative
District 34 – Pearl City, Waimalu, Pacific Palisades.
State Capitol, Room 324
415 South Beretania Street
Honolulu, HI 96813
Phone: (808) 586-6340
Fax: (808) 586-6341
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/memberpage.aspx?member=takayama