[nfbwatlk] Thousands entitled to Earned Income Tax Credit payment could miss out

[Nightingale, Noel]

This struck me as a press release about something some on this list might not be aware of, the earned income tax credit.


Link:
http://www.cted.wa.gov/DesktopModules/CTEDNews/CTEDNewsView.aspx?tabID=0&ItemID=198&mid=840

Text:
WASHINGTON STATE DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY,TRADE AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date:    January 28, 2009
Contact:        Anee Brar, CTED Program Manager, 360.725.4150
Penny Thomas, CTED Communications, 360.725.2805

Thousands entitled to Earned Income Tax Credit payment could miss out
Free tax help for low to moderate-income taxpayers available by dialing 211

Olympia, WA - The state is urging you to apply for your share of millions in Earned Income Tax Credit money available to eligible families and individuals from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Gov. Chris Gregoire proclaimed Friday, January 30 "Earned Income Tax Credit Day" to help raise awareness of this federal program that goes unused by about 15 to 17 percent of people who are entitled to receive a check for up to $4,800. As much as $81 million could go unclaimed by Washington residents eligible for the credit.

"You work hard and you earn every dollar," said Gov. Chris Gregoire. "Taking advantage of the tax credit is the right thing to do for yourself and your family, and it helps inject needed money into the local economy."

Thousands of working families and individuals in Washington each year fails to apply for the credit, missing out on their share of the money. Seniors, individuals with low incomes, and non-English speaking tax payers account for much of the unclaimed credits because they do not realize that they are eligible for it. Last year, 365,000 people applied for the credit, bringing about $655 million into the state's economy. About $65 million went unclaimed.

The Washington State Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development (CTED) has teamed up with the IRS, AARP Tax Aide, Community Action agencies, United Way agencies, banks and credit unions across the state to remind people that they must file a 2008 federal income tax return to receive the Earned Income Tax Credit - even if they owe no tax. Communities throughout Washington are taking part in the national Earned Income Tax Credit Day on Friday to promote the tax credit.

Groups promoting the Earned Income Tax Credit have a simple message: It's your money. Come get it. Any individual or couple who worked in 2008 should file for the Earned Income Tax Credit. The amount of the tax credit depends on family size and gross income. Following are eligibility requirements:
With two or more qualifying children, income less than $38,646 or $41,646 if married filing jointly. Maximum refund: $4,824.
With one qualifying child, income less than $33,995 or $36,995 married filing jointly. Maximum refund: $2,917.
With no children, income less than $12,880 or $15,880 married filing jointly. Maximum refund: $438.

Free tax preparation services are available to low and moderate-income families now through April 15. A directory of site locations throughout the state is available by dialing 2-1-1, Washington's Information Network. Ask for "free tax preparation" and operators will provide free tax site locations and hours in your area.

CTED is the lead state agency charged with enhancing and promoting sustainable community and economic vitality in Washington. For more information, visit www.cted.wa.gov.