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<p class="MsoNormal">For many people who are blind or have low vision, finding stable, well-paid work can be challenging. High unemployment and underemployment mean that every dollar matters \u2014 especially at tax time.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">One important opportunity that is often overlooked is the <b>Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)</b>. Unlike a tax deduction, which lowers your taxable income, a <b>tax credit directly reduces the amount of tax you owe</b>. In some cases, it
can even increase your refund.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Understanding how the EITC works can help you keep more of the money you\u2019ve earned.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>What Is the Earned Income Tax Credit?<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The Earned Income Tax Credit is designed to support <b>low- to moderate-income workers and families</b>. Each year, it helps millions of eligible taxpayers reduce their tax bill or receive a larger refund.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Despite its value, the IRS estimates that <b>about one in five eligible taxpayers does not claim the EITC</b>. For tax year 2024, the <b>average EITC amount nationwide was $2,916</b> \u2014 money that could make a meaningful difference for many
households.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Who May Qualify for the EITC?<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Eligibility depends on several factors, including income, filing status, and family size. In general, to qualify, you must:<o:p></o:p></p>
<ul style="margin-top:0in" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo1">Have <b>earned income</b> from working for someone or from self-employment<o:p></o:p></li><ul style="margin-top:0in" type="circle">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l2 level2 lfo1">Certain disability income may qualify as earned income<o:p></o:p></li></ul>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo1">Earn <b>low to moderate income</b><o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo1">Have a <b>valid Social Security number</b> by the due date of your return<o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo1">Be a <b>U.S. citizen or resident alien</b> for the entire year<o:p></o:p></li></ul>
<p class="MsoNormal">Members of the military and clergy have special EITC rules, as claiming the credit could affect other government benefits.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">If you\u2019re unsure whether you qualify, the <b>IRS EITC Assistant</b> is a free online tool that can help determine eligibility.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>When Will EITC Refunds Be Issued?<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">By law, the IRS cannot issue refunds that include the Earned Income Tax Credit until <b>at least February 21, 2026</b>.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">If you:<o:p></o:p></p>
<ul style="margin-top:0in" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2">File electronically<o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2">Choose <b>direct deposit</b><o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2">And your return has no issues<o:p></o:p></li></ul>
<p class="MsoNormal">Most EITC refunds are expected to arrive by <b>March 2, 2026</b>.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">You can track your refund status using the IRS <b>\u201cWhere\u2019s My Refund?\u201d</b> tool.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Why This Matters for the Blind and Low Vision Community<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Because unemployment and underemployment rates are higher in the blind and low vision community, refundable credits like the EITC can play a critical role in financial stability.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Claiming the EITC:<o:p></o:p></p>
<ul style="margin-top:0in" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l3 level1 lfo3">Does <b>not</b> affect SSDI eligibility<o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l3 level1 lfo3">Can help cover everyday expenses<o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l3 level1 lfo3">May reduce debt or support savings goals<o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l3 level1 lfo3">Helps maximize income you\u2019ve already earned<o:p></o:p></li></ul>
<p class="MsoNormal">Knowing which credits you qualify for puts you in control of your finances.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Learn More With Penny Forward\u2019s \u201cTaking on Taxes\u201d Course<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Taxes can feel overwhelming, especially when navigating credits, deductions, and IRS rules. Penny Forward\u2019s <b>Taking on Taxes: A Beginner\u2019s Guide to the Foreign Language of Taxes</b> course breaks it all down in clear, accessible language.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The course covers:<o:p></o:p></p>
<ul style="margin-top:0in" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l0 level1 lfo4">How the U.S. tax system works<o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l0 level1 lfo4">The difference between deductions and credits<o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l0 level1 lfo4">How to file with confidence<o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l0 level1 lfo4">Common mistakes to avoid<o:p></o:p></li></ul>
<p class="MsoNormal">Learn more or enroll here:<br>
<span style="font-family:"Segoe UI Emoji",sans-serif">\U0001f449</span> <a href="https://www.pennyforward.com/course/taking-on-taxes-a-beginners-guide-to-the-foreign-language-of-taxes/"><b>https://www.pennyforward.com/course/taking-on-taxes-a-beginners-guide-to-the-foreign-language-of-taxes/</b></a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Final Thought<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">If you earn a low to moderate income and are blind or have low vision, the Earned Income Tax Credit may be one of the most valuable tax benefits available to you. Taking the time to understand it \u2014 and claim it if you qualify \u2014 can make
a meaningful difference in your financial well-being.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>What\u2019s Next?<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Did you find this information helpful? Subscribe to our newsletter and receive a free copy of our \u201cSeven Steps to Financial Fitness\u201d guide. It\u2019s a great resource, filled with tips written by and for blind people on the path to financial
wellness. Plus, you\u2019ll be the first to hear about upcoming free events and content that might interest you. Connect with us today and take your next step toward financial empowerment!<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.pennyforward.com/connect/">https://www.pennyforward.com/connect/</a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Regards,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black">Chris Peterson, AFC®</span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black">Founder and CEO, Penny Forward</span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black">Blind People Building Bright Futures One Penny At A Time<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black"><a href="https://www.pennyforward.com/membership/">Join Penny Forward</a></span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">
<span style="color:black"><a href="https://calendly.com/chris-peterson-pfwd/" target="_blank">Schedule a Meeting</a></span></span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black">Email:
<a href="mailto:chris@pennyforward.com">chris@pennyforward.com</a></span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black">Phone:
<a href="tel:+18883325558">1 (888) 332-5558</a></span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black">Web site:
<a href="http://www.pennyforward.com/">www.pennyforward.com</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black"><img border="0" width="231" height="92" style="width:2.4083in;height:.9583in" id="image_0" src="cid:image001.png@01DC95CE.ED052050" alt="Penny Forward logo with an arrow pointing forward separating the two words. The word Penny and arrow are in black, with Forward in green."></span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
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