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Christopher's Story Overcoming the challenge of autism to find a job where his talents shine .... MORE |
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February, 2007 (Cleveland, Ohio) Many families in Cuyahoga County are eligible for a tax credit up to $4,000 and volunteers are standing by now to help them claim it. At 40 Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites, trained volunteers will file income tax forms electronically, free, as well as advise residents of their eligibility for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). Last year, the EITC coalition helped 2,800 people file their taxes and claim over $2.9 million in EITC refunds. "Claim what is yours and keep it," said Ben Nichols, coordinator of the Cuyahoga EITC Coalition and Enterprise Community Partners, 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 returned to the working poor in 2002." In Greater Cleveland almost 100,000 people claimed EITC in 2006; however, almost 25,000 people who were eligible did not apply. This means that while $167 million 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 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 $4,400," Nichols says. The EITC Coalition is funded by the Cuyahoga County Commissioners. VITA sites will be operating now through April 30. To find the VITA site closest to you, visit the EITC Coalition's Web site, refundohio.org, or call 211 or 216-436-2000, United Way's First Call for Help. For media inquiries, please contact Ben Nichols at 216-631-0280, ext. 119 or bnichols@enterprisecommunity.org. |
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