The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) allows parents to receive government support to cover some of the expenses of raising children. For many decades, the only way to receive this credit was through filing your income taxes. Some families don’t earn enough income to file taxes meaning this support wasn’t available to them. In the last few years, these families have been able to complete tax forms to receive the EITC. Some families know about this, but many are unaware of the program. The United Way of Atlanta is hosting a virtual event and advocating for more families to learn about and take advantage of this opportunity. Ms. Economy Jackson, the Director of Asset Building Income at the United Way, joins us.
I asked Ms.Jackson to explain precisely what Earned Tax Credits mean to families in our community and why the United Way was hosting an event around this program. She shares that many people still don’t know about the program. It is estimated that only four out of five workers claim the EITC.
When asked how people qualify for the EITC, Jackson says there are several ways to qualify for various credits. Sometimes it depends on the ages of your children. In 2023 the EITC can be up to $7,000.00.
There are two ways that people can apply through the VITA site or at www.myfreetaxes.com.
On January 27th at 11AM the United Way will host a virtual EITC Awareness Day program. They will also assist participants with establishing a banking relationship allowing them to receive the funds faster.
For more information, EITC Awareness Day