| Earned
Income Tax Credit (EITC) Campaign
What is the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Campaign?
Since 2003, the city of Phoenix Human Services Department has endorsed a citywide
community Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Campaign. The city's EITC campaign
consists of three areas: public awareness and information about the credit,
free tax preparation sites and financial education classes for children and
adults. A coalition of more than 100 faith-based, private and public entities
worked together to reach out to eligible households and disseminate information
about the campaign. In the course of the campaigns, more than 41,000 low- and
moderate-income families received more than $41 million in federal refunds
at free tax preparation sites. These tax preparation services created an estimated
savings in transaction costs of more than $11 million.
What
is EITC?
The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a federal tax credit for
qualified low-income workers. It was established
in 1975 and is considered the nation's most effective anti-poverty
program for working families. Annually, the EITC lifts approximately
four million people out of poverty, including more than two million
children.
Who is eligible?
You, your spouse (if you are filing a joint return) and any qualifying
children listed on your tax return with a valid social security number
may be eligible.
Where are the free VITA tax preparation sites?
Tax preparation sites are hosted by governmental, faith-based and
community organizations throughout the city of Phoenix. Trained and
certified VITA volunteers prepare taxes at no cost. Services are provided from
January to April 15. For a map and list of the 2010 free-tax preparation sites,
click here.
What must I bring with me?
Social Security and/or ITIN cards for
all listed
on the return
Picture ID
All documents with income or withholding (W-2 and
1099 Forms)
Information for other income
Information for all deductions and/or credits
A copy of last year's tax returns, if available
Proof of account for direct deposit of refund
(e.g. voided check)
If married filing joint returns, both spouses
must be present to sign the required forms
What is VITA?
The EITC Initiative is an entirely volunteer-driven project. Volunteer
Income Tax Assistance (VITA) volunteers donate their time to be
preparers, interpreters, greeters and site coordinators. Volunteers
serve from January to April. Tax preparer volunteers must be
certified through the free VITA Tax Preparer classes given by the IRS
from November to January. Classes are provided through various locations within
the city limits and/or online. Volunteers are needed to help return
millions of dollars annually to Phoenix families. Find out more
information about volunteer positions here.
How do I become a VITA volunteer?
Applications are available for the 2009-2010 tax season. Fill out
the online
application, and a staff member will contact you. Training and site locations
are in the process of being determined.
For more information, call 602-262-6658 or e-mail
eitc@phoenix.gov.
Last modified on01/25/2010 07:59:44
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