Last Babies of 2008 Born at Each Baptist Health Hospital Receive Special Gift from H&R Block

Jacksonville, Florida, January 1, 2009 -- The last babies born at Baptist Health hospitals in 2008 could help their parents save a bundle on taxes and helped them also win a prize package from H&R Block.

The babies were:
Baptist Medical Center Downtown
Aliya, girl, born at 9:28 PM

Baptist Medical Center Beaches
Elsa, girl, born at 1:24 PM

Baptist Medical Center Nassau
Ma'jhaun, boy, born at 12:22 PM

Baptist Medical Center South Baby girl (name not released upon request of parents), born at 4:48 PM

The gift basket each new Mom received is valued at $100 and includes a certificate for a free tax return from H&R Block.

"Mere minutes can mean major tax savings this New Year's Eve," said Sharon Lasure Roy, Regional Marketing Manager at H&R Block. "Babies born on December 31 provided parents with a retroactive tax exemption for all of 2008. To get that same tax break, parents of babies who were born after midnight on January 1 will have to wait until they file their 2009 taxes -- in 2010."

Parents are often surprised by the exemptions and credits to which they are entitled by law. In addition to an exemption worth $3,500 in 2008, new parents may qualify to claim two other credits that could further reduce this year's tax liability.

The Child Tax Credit is worth as much as $1,000 per child, regardless of whether taxpayers file as a single or jointly. To qualify, parents must have earned income of at least $8,500. And, even parents without any tax liability may be eligible for this refundable credit.

The Earned Income Tax Credit is available to lower-income workers. The amount of the credit varies with income, the number of qualifying children and whether a single or joint return is filed. EITC is also a refundable credit so it can reduce a taxpayer's liability below $0, resulting in a refund.

For future years, taxpayers who pay someone to look after their baby while they work or look for work may qualify for the Child Care Credit. Income limitations apply to this tax benefit so a tax or financial professional should be consulted about individual tax situations.