Liberty Tax appreciation days

[March 01, 2012]  Teachers can leave their lesson plans behind but are invited to bring their tax receipts and information to Liberty Tax Service offices during "Educator Appreciation Days." The company is saluting area teachers, all school employees and bus drivers by offering them free tax preparation if they are new customers from Feb. 27 to March 4 at the Decatur, Lincoln and Springfield Liberty Tax offices.

"Employees of our education systems deserve a tax break," said Chris Fehr, owner of Liberty Tax Service in Lincoln. "We have 'Appreciation Days' to show our respect for the teaching profession and those employed by the schools. They have one of the most important jobs of all."

Eligible educators who spend their own money on classroom supplies may again qualify for a tax break in 2011. An eligible educator is a kindergarten through grade 12 teacher, instructor, counselor, principal or aide who works at least 900 hours in either a public or private school. The adjustment for these expenses, of no more than $250, can be claimed whether or not the taxpayer can itemize.