ARE YOU ELIGIBLE FOR EITC? GET IT, AND GET IT RIGHT WITH FREE TAX HELP

WASHINGTON, D.C.-You may be eligible for a larger tax refund this year because of the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). But to get it, you must file a tax return and claim it.

Today, January 28, 2022, marks the 16th anniversary of Awareness Day, a nationwide effort to increase awareness about EITC and free tax preparation sites.

This year, IRS is promoting EITC and providing information on other refundable tax credits that you may be eligible for. This includes the Child Tax Credit (CTC), the Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC), the Credit for Other Dependents (ODC) and the American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC).

Nationwide, as of December 2021, approximately 25 million taxpayers received over $60 billion in EITC. The average amount of EITC received nationwide was about $2,411.

As of December 2021, Georgia had 1 million EITC claims. Georgia's total EITC amount was $2.8 billion and the average EITC payment in Georgia was $2,689.

"If you worked last year and had an income of less than $57,414, check out your eligibility for EITC. These are much needed funds for workers to use on groceries, rent, utilities and other bills," said Rep. Hank Johnson. "EITC can amount of up to a $6,728 refund when you file a return if you have qualifying children. Workers without a qualifying child could be eligible for a smaller credit up to $1,502. According to the Internal Revenue Service, the average amount credited for 2021 was $2,411."

Why is it important to have an EITC Awareness Day each year? One-third of the EITC population changes each year. The IRS estimates that four out of five workers claim the EITC they earned. This leaves billions of dollars on the table each year.

EITC is complex. It varies by income, family size and your filing status. To be eligible, you must have earned income or certain disability income. This means you must have income from working for someone or working for yourself.

Volunteers - trained by the Internal Revenue Service - ask you the needed questions to find out if you qualify for the EITC and other refundable tax credits. Volunteers at Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites, also prepare and e-file (electronically file) your tax return at no cost to you. Visit the link above or call 888-227-7669 to find VITA help near you.

"Community volunteers are ready to help you get EITC and the maximum refund you're due," said Rep. Johnson. "The goal is to help you get it and get it right. This is money you can save or use to pay off bills, buy that car to get to work or make a down payment on a home."

Bring the following to make sure volunteers get you the right amount of credit you deserve:

• A valid driver's license or other photo id card
• Social security cards, a social security number verification letter for all persons listed on the return
• Birth dates for all persons listed on return
• All income statements: Forms W-2 and 1099, Social Security, unemployment, and other statements, such as pensions, stocks, interest and any documents showing taxes withheld
• All records of expenses, such as tuition, mortgage interest, or real estate taxes
• Copies of last year's state and federal tax returns, if you have
• Bank routing numbers and account numbers to direct deposit any refund
• Dependent childcare information: name and address of who you paid and either the caretaker's SSN or other tax identification number
• If you purchased coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace, Form 1095-APDF, Health Insurance Marketplace Statement
• Both spouses to sign forms to e-file a joint tax return

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