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Durham County Gets Help Spreading Tax Credit Information: Fairway Outdoor Advertising donates community awareness campaign

May 1, 2008

Fairway Outdoor Advertising has donated an advertising package worth more than $7,000 to the Durham County Public Information Office. A series of five posters began running in March spreading a message about the benefits of Durham citizens filing for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). The announcement was made today by Paul Hickman, general manager of Fairway.

According to county records, it is estimated that 3,000 to 6,000 households in Durham do not file a claim, leaving as much as $5 million on the table that could be spent in the local community. The goal of the county's 2008 EITC Campaign is to generate at least 1,500 more claims and $1 million more in refunds for Durham residents.

"The donated billboards will increase awareness for the Earned Income Tax Credit here in Durham." said Dawn Dudley, a public information specialist for Durham County.

According to the IRS, the EITC, sometimes called the Earned Income Credit (EIC), is a refundable federal income tax credit for low-income working individuals and families. When the EITC exceeds the amount of taxes owed, it results in a tax refund to those who file a claim and qualify for the credit. To qualify, taxpayers must meet certain requirements and file a tax return, even if they did not earn enough money to be obligated to file a tax return.

"Fairway is delighted to assist Durham County in its campaign to promote the Earned Income Tax Credit," said Hickman. "During these difficult economic times, it would be a great benefit for Durham families who qualify to receive these monies."

In most cases, EITC payments will not be used to determine eligibility for Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), food stamps, low-income housing or most Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) payments.

About Fairway Outdoor Advertising:
Headquartered in Augusta, Ga., Fairway provides outdoor advertising solutions that gain its clients a solid return on investment in specified markets. In addition, the company has a strong commitment to the communities which it serves. Fairway donates millions of dollars of outdoor advertising space to a variety of nonprofits throughout the state. Fairway has branch offices in Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina and Tennessee. Fairway also provides services to clients in Virginia and Alabama. To learn more about outdoor advertising solutions, visit www.fairwayoutdoor.com or call (919) 755-1900

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