CCRA To Offer Free Tax Preparation

The Central Community Redevelopment Agency (CCRA) is offering free income tax preparation in conjunction with the AARP Tax Aide Program this tax season.

A family earning less than $31,000 with one child can get up to $2,200 back from the Earned Income Credit (EIC) on their tax return. A family earning less than $35,000 with two children or more can get up to $4,400 back from the Earned Income Credit (EIC) on their tax return. There are many tax credits available to families, and the CCRA hopes that this tax preparation service can be especially useful to families in our redevelopment district, to help them make the most of the most of their returns.

Individuals desiring to have their taxes prepared must bring the following information:

- Social Security cards (or 1099's) and photo ID's
- Social Security cards for dependents
- All W-2's, 1099's, 1098's, and other evidences of other income and deductions
- If married, filing jointly, both individuals need to be present
- Last year's return, if possible

Tax preparation hours are Wednesdays, 5:00 to 8:00 PM, through April 11th, 2007.

CCRA Entrepreneur Classes

This spring, the Central Community Redevelopment Agency (CCRA) Central Economic Development Center (CEDC) is offering four different classes for small business owners. Topics are:

- Management (Begins February 20th)
- Marketing (Begins March 20th)
- Business Plan (Begins May 15th)
- QuickBooks (Begins January 29th and again on April 16th)

All classes are held in the evenings, from 6:00-9:00 P.M. Classes meet for 4 sessions, and the price for each four class module is $39.00.

Classes will be held at the CCRA office at 2002 Martin Luther King Avenue E, Bradenton, FL 34208.

Please contact the CCRA at (941) 744-2362 for more information, or to register for the classes.

Lyles-Bryant Colored School Historical Marker Dedication A Success

Approximately 100 people were in attendance at the dedication ceremony for the Lyles-Bryant Colored School historical marker. The ceremony took place at the corner of 6th Street Court East and 11th Avenue East in Bradenton, Florida. Many segments of the community were represented: community members, politicians, religious leaders, and city officials.

The ceremony was a wonderful time to remember the role that the school played in the lives of many individuals in Manatee County.