Tax
Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
Often referred to as one of the most successful federal anti-poverty programs ever developed, the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a federal tax benefit for low to moderate-income working families. Since the credit’s inception in 1975, the EITC has grown to become one of the United States' largest programs to support low-income families. After meeting the EITC eligibility requirements, workers who qualify for the EITC and file a federal income tax return can receive a refund.
Additionally, more than twenty states have enacted a state EITC based on the federal tax credit. State advocates have been successful at creating or enhancing state EITC programs, initiating campaigns that raise awareness of the EITC, provide tax assistance to eligible families, and leveraging the EITC into savings and asset building opportunities.
Additionally, more than twenty states have enacted a state EITC based on the federal tax credit. State advocates have been successful at creating or enhancing state EITC programs, initiating campaigns that raise awareness of the EITC, provide tax assistance to eligible families, and leveraging the EITC into savings and asset building opportunities.
Resources:
State EITC Online Resource Center
Description: The State EITC Online Resource Center aims to provide easy access to research and resources about Earned Income Tax Credits and efforts to enact the credit nationwide. This website has several valuable resources for state EITC advocates, including: legislation, fact sheets, policy breifs, sample press release, sample op-eds, etc.
Tax Credits for Working Families
Description: This online resource provides easy access to research and resources on the Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit and the Property Tax Circuit Breaker. The site also provides extensive information and tools on how community-based organizations and elected officials can raise awareness of these important tax credits and help working families get ahead.
The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities’ National Tax Credit Outreach Campaign: 2010 Tax Credit Outreach Kit
Description: The 2010 Tax Credit Outreach Kit is now available. View the Kit online or send an email to eickit@cbpp.org to place an order for a free copy.
If you need further assistance, please call us at 202-408-1080.
To view the Earned Income Credit and Child Tax Credit income guidelines and credit amounts for Tax Tear 2009, click here.
Note: we are in the process of updating this website. Visit regularly to stay up-to-date on resources available to enhance your outreach efforts.
CBPP's Tax Credit Outreach Toolkit
Description: This website provides the information you need to develop a vibrant Tax Credit Outreach Campaign.
Expert of Color Directory
Description:
Charise Fong Area(s) of Expertise:Home Ownership, Tax Policy, Financial Education, Savings & Investment
National Community Tax Coalition's State Advocacy Leader's Network
Description: Visit this website to find the contact information for your state's EITC advocates, profiles and locations of your state's VITA programs, and local and state EITC data.
Related Topics:
VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Preparation)
Hundreds of volunteer income tax assistance sites (VITA) across the country run by nonprofits and community organizations provide volunteer income tax assistance to low and moderate income tax filers. Offering free tax preparation services to EITC-eligible residents not only helps ensure that working families actually claim the credit, but it also helps families to avoid high interest refund anticipation loans (RALs) offered by commercial tax preparers.
Resources:
Working with the IRS
Description: This website has information on partnering with the IRS for tax outreach and assistance.
Achieving Greater Financial Stability (February 2009)
Description:
In this report, by the Institute on Assets and Social Policy and MASSCAP, the behavior of EITC recipients and best practices for VITA centers were analyzed using surveys, discussions, interviews of program directors, focus groups of program participants. The findings contribute to the integration and development of asset formation in financial education programs provided by community based organizations and community action agencies.
National Community Tax Coalition's State Advocacy Leader's Network
Description: Visit this website to find the contact information for your state's EITC advocates, profiles and locations of your state's VITA programs, and local and state EITC data.
National Community Tax Coalition's Technical Assistance Library
Description: This library offers resources for marketing tax credits, managing tax sites, and starting VITA programs. (You must register with the coalition to gain access to this service.)
