About the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)

Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a refundable federal income tax credit for low-and moderate-income working individuals and families. Congress, with strong bipartisan support, originally approved the tax credit legislation in 1975. When EITC exceeds the amount of taxes owed, it results in a tax refund to those who claim and qualify for the credit.

To qualify, taxpayers must meet certain requirements and file a tax return, even if they did not earn enough money to be obligated to file a tax return. EITC has no effect on certain welfare benefits. In most cases, EITC payments will not be used to determine eligibility for Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), food stamps, low-income housing or most Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) payments.

Fast Facts

• Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is an amount that has been set aside by the federal government and is designed to aid low-to-moderate income workers.
• EITC is a refundable credit that can potentially be larger than the amount of taxes withheld from a qualifying worker’s paycheck.
• Amended returns can be filed for up to three years back to receive a potential refund of up to over $13,000.
• Eligible residents of Hillsborough and Pinellas Counties can have their taxes prepared free by certified tax preparers who will also ensure that eligible recipients receive their full, earned share of EITC.
• Recipients may invest their EITC money for needs such as reliable transportation, safe housing, payment of bills, college funds, and savings accounts to buy a home or other future needs.

For more information about free income tax preparation locations
conveniently located throughout
Pinellas and Hillsborough Counties,
call… 2-1-1