Today is Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Awareness Day
Visit 211ct.org/taxhelp to connect with an IRS certified volunteer that can help eligible filers secure valuable tax credits!
Rocky Hill, Conn.
The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) puts money back into the pockets of low and moderate income workers and is considered our nation's most effective pro-work, anti-poverty tool. In 2017, 216,000 Connecticut workers secured an average of $2,211 in EITC; however, it is estimated that 1 in 5 qualifying households do not claim the EITC on their tax return. In recognition of EITC Awareness Day, Connecticut 2-1-1 and Connecticut United Ways want to encourage Connecticut's workforce to utilize free tax preparation services to claim the tax credits they are eligible for.
The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program helps workers claim the EITC and offers free tax preparation services to individuals and families with a total household income at or below $54,000 in 2017. Connecticut United Ways and 2-1-1 Connecticut, in collaboration with community partners and essential volunteers, are committed to connecting hard working people with free tax preparation services in their communities and helping workers secure tax credits such as the EITC. Connecticut United Ways most recent ALICE® Report (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) revealed that 38% of Connecticut households are struggling to make ends meet. Despite working hard, these households are unable to afford life's most necessities. The EITC allows workers to keep more of what they earn to help pay for housing, child care, and transportation and to save for a more secure financial future.
Are you eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit?
Single or married people who worked full or part time for some duration during 2017 may qualify for the EITC. Visit 211ct.org/taxhelp to connect with an IRS certified volunteer that is trained to help eligible filers secure the EITC and other valuable tax credits.
Hard works pays off! To learn more about the EITC check out 2-1-1's eLibrary paper and click HERE for information on how to make a free tax preparation appointment at a VITA site near you.
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About Connecticut United Ways
Connecticut United Ways advance the common good by creating opportunities for all, with a particular focus on education, income/financial security, health, and basic needs - the building blocks for a good quality of life. We engage people and organizations throughout our communities who bring passion, expertise, and resources needed to get things done, and we invite everyone to be part of the change.
About 2-1-1 Connecticut
2-1-1 Connecticut is a free health and human service information and referral service, with a continuously updated database of more than 4,000 agencies and 40,000 programs and services. Free, confidential assistance is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year online at 211ct.org and over the phone by dialing 2-1-1. 2-1-1 Connecticut serves as a gateway to emergency/disaster preparation, response and recovery services and is the statewide vehicle for information collection and dissemination. 2-1-1 Connecticut has organizational accreditations from the Alliance of Information and Referral Systems (AIRS), and the contact center is certified by the American Association of Suicidology for crisis intervention.
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