Sample Press Release
Instructions: Copy and paste the template and fill in the blanks below for use as a press release.
NEWS RELEASE:
For more information, contact: [Name]
[Phone number]
Unexpected funds due many taxpayers if they reply
No one is ringing doorbells with balloons and oversized checks in hand, but a letter in the mail could be almost as good for many California residents. The Internal Revenue Service is notifying more than 46,000 taxpayers they could be entitled to hundreds -- or even thousands -- of dollars from the IRS.
According to [spokesperson name], [title], [agency], the letters are going to individuals who appear to be eligible for but did not claim the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) on their 2009 federal income tax returns. EITC is a refundable tax credit available to many workers and self-employed individuals whose incomes were under $49,000 in 2009.
"Our residents need every dollar they can get in today's tight economy," [name] said. "These taxpayers could be eligible to receive up to $5,657. This is money that could make their lives a little easier during tough times, but they must respond to claim it."
[name] said these taxpayers have been sent one previous letter, so this is a second attempt to notify taxpayers about potential unclaimed 2009 EITC. "Look for this letter. Read it and reply," [name] said. "You must provide the information requested to get your money."
The letters include everything taxpayers need to claim their credit, including a worksheet that will take the place of an amended return. . Taxpayers can get help filling out the forms at [enter assistance location(s)] or can call [enter phone number].
The IRS will verify the information provided and send taxpayers checks.
[name] also urges workers who earned less than $42,000 in 2008 or $40,000 in 2007 to check their returns to see if they qualified for EITC in either of those years, and to file an amended return for those years claiming the credit if eligible.