The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a refundable federal income tax credit eligible to low-income working individuals and families, created to partially balance out the weight of social security taxes and to provide an additional reason for individuals to seek and maintain employment. A taxpayer must meet certain requirements and file a tax return to qualify for the this credit, even if his or her income is below that which mandates filing a tax return. Depending on income, EITC can be worth as much as several thousand dollars, and can boost a family’s income by nearly 35 percent. EITC provides more immediate financial assistance to working individuals and families in need than any other effort.

Governor Janet Napolitano encourages Arizonans to take advantage of the special tax credits that may be available to them – even if they don’t earn enough money to typically require filing a return. Each tax season, Arizona families miss out on millions of dollars in tax refunds because they are unaware of the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) programs.

“Low-income families deserve a chance to lessen their financial burden,” said Governor Napolitano. “When EITC funds go unclaimed, Arizona communities can also potentially miss out on millions of dollars cycling back into their communities.”

VITA programs around the state offer free tax preparation services to individuals and families with low or limited income, individuals with disabilities, senior citizens and military personnel and their families. VITA centers are always looking for additional volunteers.