Brown’s ShopRite Offering Free Tax Prep

A ShopRite store in West Philadelphia will offer free tax preparation this weekend to eligible customers filing 2011 returns.

The joint effort, hosted by Brown’s ShopRite of Parkside (1575 N. 52nd St., Philadelphia) and sponsored by Pathways PA, will enlist IRS-certified preparers to help save filers hundreds of dollars that can be used to meet families’ needs. “This money can make a real difference to workers struggling in our community,” said Jeffrey Brown, president and CEO of Brown’s Super Stores. “We are trying to help in every way we can,” added Brown, noting that appointments are available and walk-ins are also welcome.

According to the Internal Revenue Service, millions of workers may be unaware of a special federal tax credit that could result in up to $5,751 extra in their federal income tax refunds through the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). Last year’s average credit boosted refunds to those eligible by $2,100. Eligible workers who earned less than $50,000 in 2011 can have their taxes done for free by Pathways PA IRS certified tax preparers.

Shoprite of Parkside is part of Westville, N.J.-based Brown’s Super Stores, which is a family owned and operated supermarket chain of 10 Philadelphia area ShopRite supermarkets. The company has been well recognized for its dedication to the communities it serves and was recognized for the past two years as “The Best Employer” in the Philadelphia region by the Philadelphia Business Journal. The White House has also acknowledged Brown’s for its efforts in serving urban communities who lack affordable, fresh and healthy food.