Where can someone find up to $6,000 to supplement their income? And what can be done with that found money?

The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is one of the largest antipoverty programs operated by the federal government, defined by the Internal Revenue Service as a benefit for low- to moderate-income working people.  This tax credit can reduce or eliminate taxes owed and provide a refund even if no tax is owed.  A working family earning less than $50,270, depending on income and number of children, can receive credit up to $5,891. The IRS reports that last year’s average refund was $2,200. Yet the IRS estimates about 20% of eligible people do not claim the credit.

Eligible populations fluctuate yearly with financial, marital and parental status changes.  IRS Acting Commissioner Steven T. Miller estimated that this year, “millions of workers could qualify for EITC for the first time, and the IRS urges them not to overlook this valuable credit.” The 2013 tax-filing season begins January 30. To receive the EITC, workers must file a tax return, even if not required to file, and specifically claim the credit. Individuals can determine eligibility using the EITC Assistant at this link.

There are three free filing options:
1) Free File – Free tax software in a question-and-answer format helps filers prepare returns and claim appropriate credits and deductions. Free electronic filing is included.  Here’s the link.
2) Free tax-preparation sites – The IRS sponsors thousands of Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) sites. Locations can be accessed at this link or by calling 800-906-9887.
3) IRS Taxpayer Assistance Centers – Free tax-preparation assistance for EITC-eligible workers is offered in locations across the country, listed online here.   Hours and services vary.

Now why is the EITC a powerful economic engine?  Because our work focuses on Native communities, we believe the EITC can be leveraged to build self-sufficiency and strengthen Native communities.  Last year, almost 170 VITA sites serving Native communities filed over 51,000 returns and brought more than $72 million to Native communities. This money was available for use in local communities rather than in border towns where Native returns are often filed if local tax preparation is not available.

When a refund is used to meet basic needs or to reduce or eliminate debt, the filer is in a better position to provide for his/her family and to contribute to the community. For a quick look at an example of the impact by EITC, see this online IRS video.   A few Native sites are connecting VITA clients to benefits such as food stamps, Head Start, tribal programs, and others.  Many sites use the tax-preparation process to introduce filers to financial and entrepreneurial education. Some help the unbanked open checking or savings accounts.  Some link clients to asset-building programs such as Individual Development Accounts, so savings goals can be realized faster. People saving and reaching their goals are increasing their self-sufficiency, setting an example for their children and positively impacting their community.

Many outreach tools are available to those interested in promoting the Earned Income Tax Credit.  Some sources are: http://www.eitc.irs.gov/ptoolkit/basicmaterials/ http://eitcoutreach.org/ http://eitcoutreach.org/2013materials

Native-specific customizable outreach poster http://www.oweesta.org/sites/oweesta.org/files/Oweesta_ad_6.75×4.5_2012.doc

If you are interested in learning how to help promote the EITC and VITA in Native communities, contact Patsy Schramm at edgpj@aol.com.  To find out how to help in other communities, see the IRS Partner Page here.

By Patsy Schramm (Cherokee), former IRS SPEC employee and current FNDI consultant