Fact Sheet on the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
	The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a special federal tax benefit for working families. Over a third of all Bronx households claimed the EITC in 2001, bringing back nearly $350 million in hard-earned tax dollars.  Some households even received extra cash to supplement their income. If your household income for 2003 was less than $34,692, you may be able to claim the credit. Furthermore, even if you have not claimed the EITC in the past, you can amend earlier returns to claim it now. I have compiled the following resources to help you find out more about the EITC: ·      The non-profit Center for Budgetary and Policy Priorities offers a free EITC estimator on its website to provide a rough estimate of your EITC eligibility. ·      The Internal Revenue Service’s Earned Income Credit Publication (Publication 596) provides detailed information and instructions on claiming the credit.  The publication is also available in Spanish. ·      The IRS website allows you to file online, download paper forms for printing, or find out more information on EITC and other parts of your tax return. The IRS also offers telephone assistance for the following areas ·      Refund Status. Call 1-800-829-4477.  You must have filed your return at least 4 weeks ago to get a status update. ·      General Tax Questions. Call 1-800-829-1040.  Automated assistance is available 24 hours a day, while live operators are available during the day from 9 AM to 5 PM. ·      Forms by Phone. Call 1-800-829-3676.  If you cannot access the IRS website, you can also request them by phone. ·      Free Assistance Centers.  The IRS partners with local volunteers to provide Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE). To find the location and hours of a site near you, call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040.

April 1, 2004