January 15, 2003
Electronic Filing Encouraged for Accurate Returns, Faster Refunds (Continued)
Tax Changes for 2003
Earned Income Tax Credit
The DC Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) for District taxpayers is 25 percent of the federal credit, placing the maximum DC EITC at $1,035 for the 2003 tax season. The EITC may provide taxpayers with a refund, even if they do not owe any tax. The DC EITC is easy to compute. "Married Filing Combined Separate" filers (the new form calls it "Married Filing Separately on Same Return") can now claim the EITC. Married filers filing completely separate returns still may not claim the EITC. Eligible taxpayers are reminded to attach their federal EIC schedule when filing for the EITC credit. Taxpayers claiming the EITC cannot also claim the Low Income Credit.
DC College Savings Plan
This year District residents can deduct up to $3,000 (for individual filers) or up to $6,000 (for married couples filing jointly, where each spouse has established a separate account) of their contributions to the DC College Savings Plan. This deduction comes from the federal adjusted gross income on the D-40 tax return. This is a new line item (13a) on the D-40 tax return.
Customer Service
One-Stop Customer Service Center
Taxpayers can resolve all individual, real property and business tax-related issues at our state-of-the-art Customer Service Walk-in center, located on the first floor of 941 North Capitol Street, NE, just a few blocks from Union Station. Customer service representatives are available to assist Monday through Friday from 8:15 am to 4:30 pm. The center has 13 customer service windows, six public access terminals and four hearing rooms for taxpayers needing to consult with a customer service representative regarding complex tax issues. Taxpayers may also visit the Penn Branch customer service center located in the Penn Branch shopping center at the corner of Pennsylvania and Branch Avenue, SE.
Telephone Information Center
Taxpayers may contact the Customer Service Telephone Information Center at (202) 727-4TAX (727-4829). Tax practitioners may call our help line at (202) 727-1435 for assistance. Customer service representatives are available Monday through Friday, except holidays, from 8:15 am until 4:30 pm.
Where to Obtain Tax Forms
Download tax forms or view a list of locations where tax forms are available for pickup at Tax Forms/Publications. You can also request them by calling (202) 442-6546.
