The city of Phoenix Human Services Department launched its Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) campaign today at the First Institutional Baptist Church to help low-income working families file taxes and receive up to $4,716 by providing free tax-filing services.

The EITC program has been credited with lifting more than six million people out of poverty. It provides a much-needed boost to the lives of low-income people and the community as a whole. It is estimated that for every $1 in EITC funds received, $1.50 ends up being spent locally.

“The EITC campaign is an equal opportunity for all, everyone wins,” said Mayor Phil Gordon. "We are pleased to partner with the IRS, utility companies, financial institutions, local organizations, faith-based communities and more than 200 volunteers to promote the EITC to families who have been unaware of the program.”

Residents who qualify for the program and are between the ages of 25 and 64 include families who earn less than $39,783 and individuals without children who earn less than $12,590.

Fifteen primary sites, located within the city of Phoenix where residents can receive free tax-filing services are John F. Long Family Services Center, 3454 N. 51^st Ave.; Emmett McLoughlin Training Center, 1150 S. Seventh Ave.; Paradise Valley Community College, 18401 N. 32^nd St.; South Mountain Community College, 7050 S. 24^th St.; Alleluia Lutheran Church, 8444 W. Encanto Blvd; Orangewood Church of Nazarene, 2728 W. Orangewood Ave.; Rehoboth Saints Center, 2315 N. 35^th Ave.; North Hills, 15025 N. 19^th Ave.; First Institutional Baptist Church, 1141 E. Jefferson St.; First Credit Union, 803 E. Devonshire Ave.; Garfield Weed and Seed, 1012 E. Garfield St.; Inter-Tribal Council, 2214 N. Central Ave. #100; ACORN Phoenix, 1018 W. Roosevelt St.; Park Lee Apartments, 1600 W. Highland Ave.; and the Department of Economic Security - South Central, 4635 S. Central Ave. Other Valley sites are available through the Community Information and Referral at 602-263-8856.

Taxpayers are asked to bring a picture ID for themselves and spouse, Social Security cards and/or Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN) cards for all household members, a copy of last year's tax return, proof of income - including W-2's, and 1099 Retirement Income - information for other income and all deductions/credits, and the amount of money paid to child care provider (if applicable). If filing jointly, both adults must be present to sign the return.

The goals of the campaign are to increase public awareness of the EITC program, increase use of the program by providing free tax-filing services and promote asset-building opportunities through financial literacy training and banking services.

For more information about the EITC program, visit irs.gov or call the Community Information and Referral hotline at 602-263-8856. For information about the city of Phoenix EITC program, call 602-262-4520.