For Latinos, health insurance subsidy eligibility can hinge on accurate tax history

USA - English

• Latin America - español

Campaign to educate Spanish-speaking taxpayers on tax system expands to new markets

WASHINGTON, Sept. 23, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ --– The Affordable Care Act (ACA) is the single biggest change to the federal tax code in more than 20 years. An accurate tax history can be key to determining eligibility for health care benefits. Therefore it's critical to individuals to learn about the Affordable Care Act and how it may affect them, their families and their tax situation.

To help educate Latinos about the U.S. tax system, Hispanic Access Foundation (HAF), in partnership with H&R Block, the world's largest consumer tax services provider, is expanding its free tax workshops program to 17 markets across the nation.

"Prepárate Para Un Futuro Mejor" (Prepare Yourself for a Better Future) includes more than 100 workshops and emphasizes the importance of one's taxes, understanding residency and dependents requirements and how to protect against fraud. The program will include information on the tax implications of the Affordable Care Act.

"Hispanics have the highest uninsured rates of any racial or ethnic group in the country," said Maite Arce, president of HAF. "The first step for everyone is to make sure your taxes are in order. For Hispanics, though, we need to provide accurate information and access to bilingual tax experts in order to fully integrate them into the tax system."

Starting in 2014, many people who do not have health insurance may be able to receive a subsidy based on their household income and family size to help with the cost. Eligibility for assistance can be determined from an individual's tax return, which can also streamline the insurance plan enrollment process with a health insurance exchange. With the individual mandate requiring nearly everyone to have health insurance in 2014, a key component of the Affordable Care Act is the health insurance exchange— a marketplace where consumers can shop for a health insurance plan.

"Since the project's launch in 2010, we have helped tens of thousands of Latinos with tax issues, and now they are even more vigilant about building an accurate tax history," said Arce. "For many, it's never been a question of not wanting to pay taxes, but rather a lack of understanding and fear of the process."

A complete list of workshop dates and locations is available at www.pormifuturo.org. For more information about HAF visit www.hispanicaccess.org.

About Hispanic Access Foundation
Hispanic Access Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that works to promote responsible citizenship, educational attainment, and active engagement in the improvement of the health, environment, and financial well-being of Hispanic families throughout the United States. Working with and through strategic partnerships with faith and community organizations, HAF is dedicated to providing greater access to vital information and community resources to the U.S. Hispanic population to improve health and quality of life. For more information visit www.hispanicaccess.org.

About H&R Block
H&R Block, Inc. (NYSE: HRB) is the world's largest consumer tax services provider.  More than 600 million tax returns have been prepared worldwide by and through H&R Block since 1955.  In fiscal 2013, H&R Block had annual revenues of $2.9 billion with 25.4 million tax returns prepared worldwide. Tax return preparation services are provided in company-owned and franchise retail tax offices by over 80,000 professional tax preparers, and through H&R Block At Home™ digital products. H&R Block Bank provides affordable banking products and services. For more information, visit the H&R Block Newsroom.

Contact: Robert Fanger
Phone: 317-410-7668
[email protected]

SOURCE Hispanic Access Foundation