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How Do I Know If I’m Eligible? Tess of the IRS January 15, 2012 LA Press Conference I would like to thank you for attending our EITC Kickoff event to help spread the word about this very important tax credit and all the free help that is available to taxpayers throughout the state. We’re here today to get the word out on The Earned Income Tax Credit (or EITC), which is a refundable federal income tax credit for working individuals and families who earn low to moderate income. Due to the great efforts of partners like the Lewiston-Auburn CA$H Coalition, the IRS estimates that nationally 79% of all eligible taxpayers receive the EITC – meaning approximately 21% do not claim the credit they deserve as sanctioned by federal law. We encourage anyone who earned $49,000 or less from wages, self-employment or farming in 2011 to see if they qualify. Eligible workers can get their EITC only if they file federal income tax returns – and specifically claim ---PAGE BREAK--- the credit - even if they are not otherwise required to file a federal income tax return. We’re especially attempting to reach out to working individuals and families who: -Live in rural areas -who are Self-employed -who receive a disability pension or are raising a child with disabilities -who are Childless -who are not proficient in English -who live in non-traditional families, such as grandparents raising their grandchildren -who are recently divorced, unemployed or experienced other changes to their marital, financial or parental status -and workers who aren’t required to file because their income is below the filing requirement There are a variety of ways to see if you’re eligible for EITC: ---PAGE BREAK--- -In the Lewiston/Auburn area, you may call 513- 3160 to schedule an appointment for tax preparation. -On the internet, go to irs.gov (and search for the EITC Assistant which is an interactive tool that will help you determine your eligibility) or you may go to an IRS walk-in office and speak with one of our specialists or call the IRS at 1-800- TAX-1040. -In Maine, you may call 2-1-1 to obtain the appointment phone number to have both your Federal and State tax returns prepared at one of our free VITA or AARP Tax-Aide sites closest to you. Having your return prepared at a VITA or TCE site can help provide a financial boost by making sure you get all the credits you are due and at no cost. EITC is a financial boost for working people in a recovering economy so I urge you to see if you qualify. You’ve earned it, now file a tax return to claim it and get it. Thank you.