United Way leads effort for Earned Income Tax Credit awareness via free tax prep

The 10-year anniversary of Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Awareness Day is Jan. 29, which marks a nationwide effort to draw taxpayers’ attention to its potential benefit while also highlighting sites engaging in free tax preparation. 

According to the Internal Revenue Service, millions of people — one in five eligible workers — miss out on thousands of dollars because they're unaware of the EITC and the Child Tax Credit available to those with a child under the age of 17.

“Both the Earned Income Tax Credit and the Child Tax Credit provide critical work supports for employees earning low to moderate wages,” says Lucy Crane, Director for Community Impact at the United Way of Greater Cincinnati. 

The United Way is doing its part to ensure the local community does not miss out on these available tax credits, as the organization and its partners are once again providing free tax preparation both online and in-person at 30 different venues across the tristate. 

“Thanks to our dedicated, trained and certified volunteers, we plan on assisting more than 9,000 households this year,” Crane says.

Free online prep, complete with trained United Way operators available via phone or chat to answer questions, is available to filers with an income of $62,000 or less, while in-person tax prep is available to those with an income of $53,000 or less.

Volunteers are trained to ensure filers who are eligible for tax credits receive them, which can provide much needed relief in day-to-day life.

“Claiming these tax credits can put eligible workers on the path to securing better housing, obtaining dependable transportation, paying for quality child care or pursuing higher education,” Crane says.

Do Good: 

• File your taxes for free online if you make under $62,000 per year.

• Learn about free in-person tax preparation if you make under $53,000 a year, and take advantage of one-on-one assistance available. 

• Join the United Way's volunteer base by donating your time this tax season.