Monday, February 17, 2014

Tax Refunds - FAFSA - College & Career Expo at Wise 2/22/14 9 am-2 pm

ULYSSES CURRIE
25TH Legislative District
Prince George’s County
 Budget and Taxation Committee











 201 James Senate Office Building
11 Bladen Street, Annapolis, MD 21401
301-858-3127 Fax 301-858-3733
Ulysses. Currie@Senate.State.MD.US




February 17, 2014

Important Reminders

College and Career Expo
I am pleased to remind you that Wise High School’s College and Career Expo is coming up this weekend.  It will be this Saturday, February 22nd from 9am to 2pm at the school.

The College and Career Expo will give students an opportunity to talk with college and career experts about what their school has to offer.  Students may be interviewed and accepted on the spot.  Experts in financial aid and scholarships will also be on hand. Remember, the FAFASA is due March 1.  Senatorial Scholarships applications are available.  Contact me by return email at ulysses.currie@senate.state.md.us.


Tax Benefits – Federal and State Earned Income Tax Credit
Every individual who earned income in 2013 should file both a federal and state income tax returns.  Both provide an Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) which could mean a refund – even if you owed no taxes.  In the 2013 tax year, working families with children that have annual incomes below about $37,900 to $51,600 (depending on marital status and the number of dependent children) may be eligible for the federal EITC. Also, working-poor people without children that have incomes below about $14,300 ($19,700 for a married couple) can receive a very small EITC.
If you qualify for the federal earned income tax credit, you may also be entitled to a Maryland earned income tax credit in an amount equal to 50% of the federal tax credit. The Maryland earned income tax credit (EITC) will either reduce or eliminate the amount of the state and local income tax that you might owe.
Remember – you must file returns to get any EITC.
College Financial Aid - FAFSA
Every family with a high school senior should file a federal income tax form – even if you do not owe taxes.  The federal 1040EZ form and the Maryland 501D are simple to complete.  With those forms filed, your student can complete a FAFSA so that your family’s income can be verified through the tax filing.  You can qualify for a federal Pell Grant of up to $5,500 and other state financial aid that could pay for most of your college tuition. 
The deadline for the FAFSA is March 1st.

I trust this information is helpful.  Please feel free to forward it on to your friends and family for their information.  If I can be of any service please do hesitate to contact me.

                                                                                    Sincerely,
                                                                        Ulysses Currie                                                                                                                                          

 
 

Friday, February 14, 2014

Money for Buying a Home and Renovating it in DC!


DC Open Doors
Program Notification
2014-01 – DC Open Doors – FHA 203K Streamline
Available as of Tuesday, February 18, 2014


As of Tuesday, February 18, 2014 DC Open Doors will offer the FHA 203K Streamline loan product for
eligible homebuyers.  FHA’s 203K Streamline loan product will allow homebuyers to finance up to
$35,000 into their mortgage to repair, improve or upgrade their home.

Prospective homebuyers and realtor partners should visit our website
at: http://www.dchfa.org/DCHFAHome/Homebuyers/ParticipatingLenders/tabid/277/Default.aspx to find
DC Open Doors approved lenders offering the 203K Streamline loan product.  

Approved lenders can reserve a DC Open Doors first trust mortgage loan as well as a DPAL on
DCHFA’s loan reservation system at: https://services.ehousingplus.com/Default.htm.  The loan
reservation system is open from 10am EST to 8pm ET Monday through Friday.  

Should you have any questions about any DC Open Doors mortgage product, or DCHFA’s processes or
procedures, please contact us directly at 202-777-1632 or SingleFamilyPrograms@dchfa.org.  

Wednesday, February 5, 2014