You don’t have to be a tax expert to help working families learn about and claim the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and the Child Tax Credit (CTC). These tax programs provide refunds and credits for employees earning low to moderate wages and can help put eligible workers on the path to securing better housing, obtaining dependable transportation, paying for quality childcare, or pursuing higher education.
Click here to obtain outreach materials and resources, including flyers in 24 languages, infographics, the EITC Estimator, frequently asked questions, and information on additional federal credits. Claiming the EITC will not affect eligibility for other benefits like SNAP, SSI, Medicaid, cash assistance, or public housing.
The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) offers a free alternative to paid tax preparation for those claiming the EITC and CTC credits. Sponsored by the IRS, the VITA program coordinates community-based organizations, providing training to meet IRS guidelines and requiring participants to pass an annual exam to prepare tax returns. All tax returns undergo a quality review before submission to the IRS. Click here to find a local VITA site to help your clients file a return.
Watch for a survey from Citygate Network on the Earned Income Tax Credit and the Child Tax Credit. We’ll include a nice incentive for completion.