The purpose of this article is to bring attention of the Earned Income Tax Credit – both federal and state – to New Jerseyans and to provide links to various EITC resources.
According to national statistics, about 20% – 25% of eligible households do not claim the EITC benefits. Those who go without this income boost can lose out on thousand of dollars in tax credits or refunds. For example, workers who earned too little to be required to file a tax return must complete a return to receive an EITC refund.
EITC outreach material is available from a number of agencies and organizations. They include:
- Center on Budget and Policy Priorities EITC Outreach Kit
- New Jersey Division of Family Development EITC Fact Sheet
- New Jersey Division of Family Development EITC Flyer
Free assistance in the preparation of federal and New Jersey state income tax returns is available for taxpayers at local VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) sites and AARP Foundations sites. A list of available locations is available by calling either 2-1-1, or the IRS at 800-906-9887. The NJ 2-1-1 Partnership maintains a list of VITA/AARP sites at http://www.nj211.org/vita09.cfm . The IRS provides a VITA Locator at http://irs.treasury.gov/freetaxprep/.
All taxpayers with a 2013 adjusted gross income of $58,000 or less can access brand name tax software at no cost. For details visit, http://www.irs.gov/uac/Free-File%3A-Do-Your-Federal-Taxes-for-Free or the Free File Alliance.
Visit the Earned Income Tax Credit page on the New Jersey Community Resources website regarding a policy instruction recently issued by the New Jersey Division of Family Development concerning the treatment of EITC as it relates to TANF, General Assistance, and SNAP (formerly food stamps).
Michael Swayze's Community Resources 