EITC Awareness Day is a nationwide effort to bring awareness to one of the most important tax credits available to working families and individuals. With strong bipartisan support since its inception in the mid-70s, it has grown to become one of the largest anti-poverty tools in the U.S. Unfortunately, nearly one in five people eligible for the EITC do not claim it.  For members of our community, the Earned Income Tax Credit is a key contributor to their financial security. Our residents, as individuals, can see returns as high as $6,935, depending on the number of children in their family and their income level.

Check if you may be eligible for VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance ) program.  This program offers free tax help to people who generally make $54,000 or less, persons with disabilities, the elderly and limited English speaking taxpayers who need assistance in preparing their own tax returns. IRS-certified volunteers provide free basic income tax return preparation with electronic filing to qualified individuals.  For more information, go to benefits.gov/benefit/1543

Assistance is provided at community and neighborhood centers, libraries, schools, shopping malls, and other convenient locations.

You can  join the conversation today by using the hashtag #EITC or #EITCAwarenessDay, and make sure that people in the community know about this important tax credit!