Congresswoman Frederica Wilson has issued a statement reminding residents that if their household income was less than $49,078 in 2011, they may be eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) which is intended to boost the incomes of working families.
According to Wilson, annually more than 6 million workers get help through the program by reducing the amount of income tax owed and providing up to $5,751 cash back when the EITC exceeds the amount owed.
To receive this credit, you must meet eligibility requirements and file a tax return. The EITC will not affect eligibility for welfare benefits such as Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, Medicaid, Social Security Income (SSI), food stamps and low-income housing.
The highest cash back amount varies from $5,751 for a family of five to $464 for a couple making between $13,660.
Wilson said many residents in her 17th Congressional District may qualify for the credit and that typically four out of five people who send in a claim will get it.
“I hope that all of you who qualify take advantage of this valuable credit and the resources available to help with your tax preparation,” Wilson said. “Remember, if you are eligible, you must file a federal income tax return and you must specifically claim the credit to get it.”
For more information, or to get help filing your income tax forms or claiming tax credits such as the EITC, visit irs.gov or call 1-800-906-9887 to ask about Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly programs near you.
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