Taxpayers Encouraged to See if they Qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit

GEORGETOWN, Del. – Today, U.S. Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.) joined representatives from First State Community Action Agency and Nehemiah Gateway Community Development Corporation to educate Delawareans on the Earned Income Tax Credit and free tax preparing services throughout the state. Today marks EITC Awareness Day, a nationwide effort to increase awareness about EITC and free tax preparation sites. In 2015, more than 27 million eligible workers and families received more than $67 billion in EITC nationally; with an average EITC amount of about $2,455. In Delaware, 73,000 workers claimed the credit, receiving an average of $2,394.

 “For more than 40 years, the Earned Income Tax Credit has put money back in the pockets of hard working people who need it,” said Senator Carper. “I encourage all Delawareans to get in touch with these free organizations that can help them find out if they are eligible for the tax credit. Don’t leave money on the table this tax season.”

 “The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a proven work incentive and valuable tax benefit for lifting low-income individuals and families out of poverty,” said Bernice Edwards, Executive Director at First State Community Action Agency. “For so many working individuals and families, it is a much needed economic boost and aid to paying off debt, improving personal credit, savings and financial planning. Everyone eligible for EITC needs to know that they have a right to claim it.”

 “Since its inception the Earned Income Tax program has been a major resource in empowering the working poor. 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,” said Reverend Clifford Johnson, Founder of Nehemiah Gateway Community Development Corporation.

 Delawareans can learn more about the EITC and free tax preparation sites in New Castle, Kent and Sussex Counties by visiting irs.treasury.gov/freetaxprep. Those seeking assistance should bring the following documents:

• Social Security cards, or a Social Security number verification letter (must list full social security number), or a social security benefits statement, or an IRS transcript for all persons you may list on the return.

• Birth dates for all persons you may list on return.

• Copies of last year’s federal and state returns, if you have them.

• 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. If you own or run a business or farm, collect records of all your income to be presented at time of filing.

• All records of expenses, such as tuition, mortgage interest, or real estate taxes. If you own or run a business or farm, collect records of all your expenses to be presented at time of filing.

• Bank routing numbers and account numbers to direct deposit any refund.

• Dependent child care information: name and address of paid caretakers and either their Social Security number or other tax identification number.

• If you purchased coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace, Health Insurance Marketplace Statement (1095-A).

 Volunteer income tax assistors, greeters, interpreters, and refund referral navigators are still needed. For those interested in volunteering, contact Nehemiah Gateway to sign up and volunteer.

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