January 27, 2006 (Cleveland, Ohio)
Starting today and continuing through April 15, 25 Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites will be operating throughout Cuyahoga County. When people go there, they will get their taxes filed for free and will be advised of the EITC refund they are entitled to. This year, the EITC coalition expects to help 2,500 people file their taxes and claim over $2.5 million dollars in EITC refunds.

"Claim what is yours and keep it, for free!" Ben Nichols, the Coordinator of the EITC Coalition and Enterprise Community Partners says when describing the EITC tax credit. Over five million people nationwide are lifted out of poverty annually as a result of EITC. It is the single largest and most effective antipoverty program in the country, with more than $36 billion dollars returned to the working poor in 2002.

In Greater Cleveland almost 100,000 people claimed EITC in 2004, however almost 25,000 people who were eligible did not apply. This means that of the $167 million dollars returned to taxpayers via EITC locally, more than $41 million was left unclaimed. In order to increase the number of people claiming their EITC, the EITC Coalition was created last year.

By increasing the number of people claiming their EITC, the poverty rate in our region is lowered and the burden on social service programs is diminished. It increases the quality of life in our community because it returns to the working poor resources that they are entitled to. "Many people do not realize that they may qualify for EITC even if their income falls below the threshold for which no taxes are withheld or are living above the poverty level. Families with incomes of up to $37,263 and individuals making up to $11,750 can apply, and the EITC refund may be up to $4400," Mr. Nichols says. EITC coalition is funded by the Cuyahoga County Commissioners.

VITA sites will be operating now through April 15. To find the VITA site closest to you, visit the EITC Coalition's website, refundohio.org or call 211, United Way's First Call for Help from a land line or 216-436-2000 from a cell phone. For media inquiries, please contact Ben Nichols at 216-631-0280 Ext. 119 or bnichols@enterprisecommunity.org.