Jan.
25, 2018
The Earned Income Tax
Credit (EITC) is a benefit for working people with low to moderate incomes.
OLYMPIA, WA – Workers earning up to $53,930 may be eligible to receive the federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). A tax return
must be filed to get the credit, even if no tax is
owed or filing a tax return is not required.
Many people are eligible for this tax benefit, but it often goes
unclaimed. The IRS estimates 20 percent of those eligible either do not claim
the benefit on their taxes or do not file a tax return at all. Seniors,
individuals with low incomes, and non-English speaking taxpayers account for
much of the unclaimed credits because they don’t realize they are eligible. The
credit reduces the amount of taxes owed and results in a lump sum refund
payment for most people who are eligible to claim it.
Governor Jay Inslee proclaimed Jan. 26, 2018 as “Earned Income Tax
Credit Awareness Day” in the state of Washington
as part of a nationwide effort to spread the word about this under-used tax
credit and provide information and resources to claim it. Read the Governor’s proclamation
“Together, the Earned Income Tax Credit and low-income Child
Tax Credit (CTC) are among the strongest tools to promote work and help workers
with children move out of poverty," Inslee said. “It is important for
Washingtonians to be aware of this opportunity because one in five
eligible taxpayers do not claim or receive this benefit.”
Just over 164,000 Washingtonians were
lifted out of poverty by the EITC and CTC, including an average of 81,000
children each year from 2011 to 2013. In 2017, 426,000 Washington residents
applied for the credit, claiming $926 million in refunds, for an average refund
of $2,177.
This year individuals can receive a tax refund
of up to $6,444 if they meet eligibility requirements.
“Helping working families get tax
credits they are owed allow those families to make essential purchases or
contribute to savings,” said Brian Bonlender, director of the Department of
Commerce. “EITC dollars strengthen family
finances, while also strengthening communities by boosting local
economies. That is why we strive to make sure that everyone eligible for
the Earned Income Tax Credit knows about it and has the resources they need to
claim it.”
The Department of Commerce and Department of
Social and Health Services are partners with many local agencies and nonprofit organizations
across the state in raising awareness about the Earned Income Tax Credit and
free tax preparation services.
Free tax preparation services are available to many low- and
moderate-income families. Just dial 2-1-1 and ask for free tax preparation
locations. You may also search “free tax preparation” online.
On Jan. 26, communities throughout Washington and nationwide are
taking part in national EITC Day to promote public awareness of the tax credit.
Local EITC Contacts
Walla Walla Asset Building Coalition (Walla Walla and Columbia counties)
Steve Dickerson, 509.540.1247 or
Elizabeth Guerra, 509.529.4980
Chelan-Douglas Community Action Council
Linda Limbeck, 509.662.6156 ext. 238
Kitsap Community Resources
Anjalee Blackwell, 360.473.2126
Lower Columbia Community Action Programs (Cowlitz County)
Liz Myntti, 360.425.3430, ext. 215
Opportunity Council (Whatcom County)
Lisa Sohni 360.734.5121 ext. 224
Pierce County Asset Building Coalition
Alanna Rodgers 253.719.3743
Community Action of Skagit County
Lynn Christofersen, 360.588-5748 or
360.416.7585
Spokane County United Way
Andrey Muzychenko, 509.324.5030
United Way of King County
Emily Vyhnanek, 206.461.5076
Asset Building Coalition of Mason
County
Allison Maluchnik, 360.401.9808
United Way of Snohomish County
Lynsey Gagnon, 425.374.5526
Thurston County
Asset Building Coalition
Kirsten Klein,
AARP Tax-Aide Local Coordinator, 360.269.5771 or Stephanie Abraham, VISTA
Outreach Coordinator, 360.464.6055
United Way of Yakima County
Paula Slaye, 509.966.5163
Klickitat County Asset Building Coalition
Brian Wanless, 509.250.0737.
Appointments can be made at the Senior Services Center, 509.773.3757
OIC of WA: the Prosperity Center (Grant and Adams counties)
Carolyn Grant, 509.765.9206 ext. 239
Community Housing Resource Center (Clark and Skamania counties)
Cheyanne Llanos Bare, 360.690.4496 ext. 107
Contacts:
Penny Thomas, Media
Relations, 206-256-6106
James Helling, Community
Services and Housing, 360-725-4144
Twitter: @WAStateCommerce
Facebook: facebook.com/wastatecommerce
|