Senator Carper Raises Awareness of Earned Income Tax Credit and Free Tax Preparation Help

GEORGETOWN, Del. – Today, U.S. Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.) joined representatives from the Delaware Tax and Financial Services Campaign to educate Delawareans on the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and free tax preparing services throughout the state. Last year, 71,000 Delawareans received the EITC and received an average of $2,401.

“Since its inception decades ago, the Earned Income Tax Credit has helped lift so many hard-working families out of poverty, but only 4 out of 5 of those who are EITC-eligible actually claim it on their taxes,” said Senator Carper. “Filing taxes can be complicated, so I encourage every Delawarean in need of assistance to seek out the free help they need and avoid leaving money on the table this tax season.”

The Delaware Tax and Financial Services Campaign was founded by Nehemiah Gateway Community Development Corporation in partnership with First State Community Action Agency and $tand By Me. The program is funded by the VITA Grant Program, an IRS initiative designed to promote and support free tax preparation services for the underserved, and also receives help from the state and local governments as well as private businesses. Last year, the Campaign helped 4,400 Delawareans receive their EITC.

“The Earned Income Tax Credit has been a bipartisan effort that’s proven effective to help hard-working families gain a boost in their finances,” said Bernice Edwards, Executive Director of First State Community Action Agency. “Without it, many low-income families will continue struggling just to meet the demands of everyday life. What’s worse is qualifying for the credit and not knowing it. That is why EITC awareness is so key — it’s important for the financial health and well-being of the families who truly need it and have worked extremely hard for it.”

“Since its inception the Earned Income Tax program has been a major resource in empowering the working poor,” said Reverend Clifford Johnson, Founder of Nehemiah Gateway Community Development Corporation. “Each year thousands of tax payers look to the many volunteers to assist them with tax preparation as well as aiding them to secure the returns that will improve their quality of life. As part of a coalition, Nehemiah Gateway strives to serve additional families that are not currently participating in the EITC program.”

Delawareans can learn more about the EITC and free tax preparation sites in New Castle, Kent and Sussex Counties at https://www.irs.gov/individuals/find-a-location-for-free-tax-prep.