You earned it, just ask for it.


COLUMBUS – Ohio Treasurer Kevin L. Boyce is reminding Ohioans that they could be eligible to receive a federal tax credit of up to $5,657 -- all they have to do is ask their tax preparer for it.

One in every five Ohioans is eligible to receive payments from the federal Earned Income Tax Credit, but they don’t know about it, don’t ask for it, and don’t get their money.

“800,000 Ohio families qualify for the EITC but as many as 20 percent of these families don’t take advantage of the credit’ said Treasurer Boyce. “Helping them know that this money is available helps Ohio because we will see more dollars pumped into our economy.”

People who do qualify for EITC will also qualify for free tax preparation. The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance” or “VITA” program provides free income tax preparation for low-Income, elderly, disabled and limited English-speaking people. With trained professionals helping them prepare their taxes for free, Boyce believes Ohioans will get the help they need to make it through these tough economic times.

To learn more about the federal Earned Income Tax Credit, visit: www.Ohio.gov/EITC

Ohioans with EITC questions can also call the Ohio Benefit Bank at (800) 648-1176 or dial 2-1-1, if the service is available in the area, to determine eligibility and locate free tax preparation sites near them. 

The mission of the Ohio Treasury is to protect and invest state funds while providing innovative financial education and resources to empower Ohioans to make Smart Money Choices. For more information, visit: www.ohiotreasurer.org.