AROUND TOWN

In filing your tax returns this year you may be in for a surprise – more money.

South Carolina’s Earned Income Tax Credit goes up to 41.67% from 20.83%.

The EITC will return more money for low- to moderate-income working individuals or couples, particularly those who have children.

If your federal EITC is $1,000, your South Carolina EITC will total $416.70 this year.

SC’s version of the EITC was adopted in 2018 and phased in over 6 years. By 2023, you can claim 125% of the federal EITC.

For more information, visit https://dor.sc.gov/communications/sc-earned-incometax-credit-increases-in-2020 .

New urgent care opens

Lexington Medical Center has opened a new urgent care and imaging center at Saluda Pointe near I-20 and US 378 behind the Chick-fil-A restaurant. It will be open 7 days a week from 8 am – 10 pm.

Lexington Medical Center physicians treat coughs, sore throats, ear aches, fevers, strains and sprains, sinus infections, simple cuts and wounds and stomach pain. You can make an appointment at On My Way in LMC My Chart to reduce waiting time.

Hot Lexington properties

A Lexington apartment community has sold for $1,640,000. Marcus & Millichap’s Drew Babcock sold the 41-unit Lexington Garden Apartments at 609 S Lake Dr.

“We have lots of clients seeking investment opportunities in the Lexington area as a result of the county’s low unemployment rate, strong population growth and solid public school system,” Babcock said.

Built in 1993 on 1.98 acres, Lexington Garden Apartments features studio and 1-and 2-bedroom units.

Mortgage market hot, too

This may be a great time to buy or sell a home. The mortgage market had its best year in 2019, the latest sign that housing is hot after earlier signs of weakness.

Lenders extended $2.4 trillion in home loans last year, the most since 2006, according to research group Inside Mortgage Finance. That was a 46% increase from 2018.

“When a large and cyclical part of the economy – housing – is starting to improve, it’s a good sign for the economy at large,” said Sam Khater, chief economist of mortgage-finance giant Freddie Mac.

The Mortgage Bankers Association estimates that refinancings made up 38% of mortgage originations last year.

New kids’ exhibit

EdVenture Children’s Museum held a grand opening for its new Busy Bee Farm.

The exhibit is sponsored by WP Rawl, 1 of Lexington County’s and the nation’s largest family-operated vegetable farms.

The Busy Bee Farm provides experiential education for children under age 11. It teaches how what WP Rawl grows makes it to the grocery store, then to tables at home.

Election workers wanted

Lexington County Elections and Registrations is looking for poll clerks and managers for upcoming elections. Earn up to $195.

Elections will take place:

• Feb. 29 -Presidential Preference Primary (Democratic Party only)

• June 9 - SC primaries

• Nov. 3 - Election

If you are interested, visit www.lex-co.sc.gov, click on Registration and Elections department and fill out an application or visit the office at 605 W. Main St. Suite C, Lexington, to apply.

Get your story straight

ResMed Corp. medical equipment company was caught unlawfully selling products. It must pay $37.5 million under a False Claims Act settlement order.

The San Diego, CA, durable medical equipment maker agreed to resolve claims it paid kickbacks to suppliers.

ResMed schemes included free call center services and below-cost masks and machines. Whistleblowers will receive a roughly $6.2 million share of the settlement.

MTC students honored

Midlands Technical College students have been recognized among the top student leaders on their induction into MTC’s Chapter of the National Society of Leadership and Success, Sigma Alpha Pi. The 73 new student members were selected based on academic standing or leading a Success Networking Team.

Member Fredric Haygood received Midlands Tech’s 1st Advanced Leadership Certification by completing additional leadership training modules and building a portfolio of his volunteer and leadership experiences.

Another member, Jamie Gillis, received the Society State of Mind Award for taking on a number of added responsibilities.