Tax and Benefits Outreach (View) Supports for working families trainings (PDF Format ) Family Income Policy & Advocacy (View) Family Income Tools: Information and resources for New York advocates, community organizers and community members! (Learn More) Research & Reports on Tax and Benefit Outreach (View)

SUPPORTS FOR WORKING FAMILIES

Tax Credit Outreach Initiative

Since its inception in 1975, the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) has grown to become the single most important federal anti-poverty program in the nation. In 2003, the EITC lifted 4.4 million individuals, including 2.4 million children, out of poverty. In that year, 21.4 million families and individuals claimed the credit and the IRS gave back $38.3 billion in EITC refunds.

Also in 2003, 1.4 million New Yorkers received more than $3.25 billion in EITC refunds with an average refund of nearly $2,300. However, these same New Yorkers spent an estimated $207 million of their refunds on paid tax preparation and high interest Refund Anticipation Loan fees.

For New Yorkers who worked even part-time in 2005, the EITC can be worth up to $5,700, and more if they live in New York City, depending on income. The Child Tax Credit (CTC) can add up to an additional $1,000 per child. Despite the obvious benefit of the EITC, nearly 20 percent of eligible New Yorkers do not claim the credit. These workers are missing out on thousands of dollars that can help them cover expenses like rent, utilities, groceries and childcare.

Since 2003, CDF-NY has successfully implemented a two-pronged Earned Income and Child Tax Credits initiative that targets employers and community service providers. The goal of the project is to educate low-income workers about tax credits and where they can get free assistance in filing their taxes. CDF-NY continues to build on the successes of the past to expand its outreach to thousands of working New York City residents who are eligible but not claiming the credit.

For more information about CDF-NY's Earned Income and Child Tax Credit Initiative, please contact Minerva Delgado, Senior Project Manager, at (212) 697-2323 or mdelgado@cdfny.org.

Check out our outreach tools.