LANSING – State Representative Robert Jones (D-Kalamazoo) today encouraged residents to take advantage of a special tax benefit designed for working families. The federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a tax break for workers with moderate or low incomes, and an EITC tax refund can make a big difference for working families.
"The EITC is designed to help working families get back on their feet during tough times," Jones said. "When our workers can't afford basic necessities for their families, everyone loses – families, businesses and taxpayers. I want to make sure that every family who qualifies for the EITC knows that it's available so they can get the money back that they deserve."
About 665,000 EITC returns were filed in Michigan in 2006. But about $300 million in federal Earned Income Tax Credits went unclaimed.
Residents who meet one of the following guidelines can qualify for the EITC:
Families with one child that earned less than $33,241 in 2007 (or less than $35,241 for married workers) are eligible for a credit of up to $2,853.
Families with two or more children that earned less than $37,783 in 2007 (or less than $39,783 for married workers) are eligible for a credit of up to $4,716.
Workers without a qualifying child who earned less than $12,590 in 2007 (or less than $14,590 for married workers) are eligible for a credit of up to $428.
Residents can learn more about the EITC and other important tax information – such as the federal tax rebates scheduled to be mailed out starting in May – by logging on to www.housedems.com. It's important that residents file their 2007 taxes so they can receive the tax rebate they deserve.
"The EITC is a great resource for working families who are struggling to make ends meet in these tough times," Jones said. "It's important for families to know that it's available so that no one misses out. As more dollars are pumped into our economy, it will get stronger and more jobs will be available for our workers – and that's what we need right now."