Some Ohioans who qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) could earn up to $5,657 extra on their tax return. They either don’t know about EITC, or don’t know how to claim it. The Ohio Treasury can help.
WHAT IS EITC?
The federal Earned Income Tax Credit enables taxpayers earning low to moderate wages receive a larger federal tax refund. Approximately 20 percent of the 800,000 Ohio families qualify for the federal program but don’t take advantage of the credit.
As a government official, Treasurer Kevin L. Boyce knows how important it is to serve his constituents—especially during these times of economic challenges. Sometimes, helping can be as simple as making people aware of easy ways to save more of their hard-earned money.
As Chair of the Ohio Commission on the Earned Income Tax Credit, Ohio Treasurer of State Kevin L. Boyce, along with co-chairs Ohio Attorney General Richard Cordray and U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown, is working to ensure that every Ohioan who qualifies for the EITC receives it.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
If your gross income is less than the below amounts, you could be eligible to receive the EITC.
Income Filing Status Dependents
$48,279 or less married with 3+
$43,279 or less single with 3+
$45,295 or less married with 2
$40,295 or less single with 2
$40,463 or less married with 1
$35,463 or less single with 1
$18,440 or less married with 0
$13,440 or less single with 0
Call the Ohio Benefit Bank at (800) 648-1176 to find out if you qualify for EITC. In many parts of the state, you can also dial 2-1-1 to speak with a representative who can help you determine your eligibility.
WHY EITC IS IMPORTANT
The EITC lifts more children above the poverty line than any other government program. In 2005, more than 22 million households applied for the EITC and received an average refund of $1,864. According to a 2006 Brookings Institution study, an estimated 5 million people, including 2.6 million children, were lifted above the poverty line as a result of the program. At the same time, millions of federal dollars that could be injected into Ohio’s economy are going unclaimed. Ohio’s economy would be boosted if every eligible Ohioan took advantage of this tax credit.
HOW DO I CLAIM THE EITC?
Just file your tax return, but don’t hire someone to prepare it because you could end up with less money in your pocket. Fast, free tax preparation services are available. The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program uses volunteers to prepare simple tax returns for taxpayers with low to moderate income (generally $39,000 and below). They will help you determine any credits for which you might be eligible, including the EITC, at no charge. To find a VITA site near you, call the Internal Revenue Service toll-free at (800) 906-9887.
> EITC Tips and Resources
> Download Flyer
> Link to IRS EITC estimator
> EITC County Coalitions and Ohio Benefit Bank Map
> Volunteer to help Ohio Families Claim the EITC
> Locate an Ohio Benefit Bank site near you
> Free Tax Preparation Sites
> EITC County Coalitions
Ohio Benefit Bank sites have volunteers that can help you file your taxes for free too. To schedule an appointment, or to find a location near you, call toll-free (800) 648-1176.