Community Corner
Millions Could Miss Out on Tax Credit
Millions of workers could overlook a federal tax credit this year simply because they don’t know it exists, according to the IRS. The credit could provide up to $6,000 extra in federal income tax refunds. Friday, January 31, is National Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Awareness day, and Bucks County Opportunity Council is spreading the word that people who work and earn less than $52,000 may be eligible for larger refunds.
EITC provides a boost to workers, their families and the communities where they live. It helps with food, gas, clothing, saving for a rainy day and more. Last year, on average, the EITC boosted refunds for eligible workers by $2,335.
“EITC can be a boost to you, your family and community,” said Mary T. Garber, program manager for Buck$Back, a free tax preparation program for low-income people in Bucks County. Anyone with earnings under $51,567 should see if they qualify at www.irs.gov/eitc, or visit a volunteer tax assistance site.
Find out what's happening in Warminsterwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Millions of workers may qualify for EITC for the first time this year. Workers move into and out of eligibility based on changes in their marital, parental and financial status.
To receive the EITC, eligible workers must file a federal income tax return even if they are not required to file and specifically must claim the credit to get it.
Find out what's happening in Warminsterwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Workers can get free help to determine their EITC eligibility and claim the credit by contacting Buck$Back, the free income tax preparation service provided by the Opportunity Council in partnership with the IRS. To see if you qualify, go to www.bcoc.org and click on TAXES.
The Bucks County Opportunity Council Buck$Back Program marks 10 years providing free income tax preparation services for struggling families and individuals to obtain crucial refunds that can be used for debt reduction, savings, education costs, or reliable transportation. Over the past ten years, Buck$Back volunteers have assisted in preparing more than 7,000 returns for low-to-moderate-income taxpayers, providing a value of $12.2 million in refunds, credits, and fee savings.
Bucks County Opportunity Council is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping low-income people in Bucks County achieve and sustain economic self-sufficiency. For more information, visit www.bcoc.org
