Obama touts tax breaks for the middle-class

WASHINGTON - Just ahead of Tax Day, President Barack Obama is urging Americans to take advantage of tax credits for first-time home buyers, college students and others.

Obama used his weekly radio and Internet address yesterday to promote some of the tax benefits in last year's stimulus bill, saying they could save people hundreds or even thousands of dollars and were available to more than 100 million Americans.

Even those who file before the April 15 deadline can amend their returns if there are savings they missed, Obama noted.

"No one I've met is looking for a handout. And that's not what these tax cuts are," Obama said. "Instead, they're targeted relief to help middle-class families weather the storm, to jump-start our economy and to bring the fundamentals of the American dream - making an honest living, earning an education, owning a home and raising a family - back within reach for millions of Americans."

Credits taxpayers may be eligible for include those for first-time home buyers, college expenses, energy-efficiency measures to homes and vehicles purchased from mid-February to December last year.

In their weekly address, Republicans accused Obama of raising taxes and expanding government too much with the health care bill and other initiatives.

Sen. Jon Kyl (R-Ariz.) noted taxes would rise Jan. 1, when President George W. Bush's tax cuts expire.

"So, these are two Republican ideas: first, reining in Washington spending; second, keeping taxes at a manageable level. If we do these two things, private businesses and American families will be able to save, invest and plan for the future," Kyl said.

Obama wants to extend Bush's tax cuts, except for individuals making more than $200,000 a year and couples making at least $250,000.