Assemblywoman Rhoda Jacobs: Earned Income Tax Credit Could Mean Higher Refund Check for Brooklyn Families

February 4, 2013

As New York continues its economic recovery, many Brooklyn families are still struggling to make ends meet. That’s why it’s more important than ever to take advantage of every tax break the government offers. The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) could result in thousands of dollars in refunds for your family.

Created to offset Social Security taxes, the EITCs on the federal, state and city level all help reduce working families’ tax burden. Unfortunately, a surprising number of families who qualify for the helpful tax credit simply aren’t aware the credit exists or how valuable it can be.

That’s why I’m encouraging all eligible families to claim the EITC before the April 15 deadline. To qualify for the New York State and federal EITC, you must:

• have worked full or part time at some point during the calendar year;
• be a single or married person raising qualifying children at home;
• have income below $36,920 ($42,130 if married) with one child;
• have income below $41,952 ($47,162 if married) with two children;
• have income below $45,060 ($50,270 if married) with three or more children; or
• be a worker between the ages of 25 and 65, earning less than $13,980 ($19,190 if married) with no children.

To be eligible for the New York City EITC, in addition to the above requirements, you must:

• be a full-year or part-year resident of New York City;
• claim the federal Earned Income Tax Credit; and
• file a New York State income tax return.

In addition to the EITC, working families may qualify for the federal Child Tax Credit, a partially refundable tax credit of up to $1,000 per child; the Empire State Child Credit, a refundable $330 tax credit for children ages 4-16; and the Child and Dependent Care Credit, available for working parents who pay for child care.

Anyone supporting a family knows just how difficult it can be to stay afloat financially, and how quickly day-to-day expenses and unexpected bills can strain a household budget. But with useful tax credits like the EITC, there is help.

In addition to tax credits, individuals and families who make $51,000 or less may also be able to take advantage of free tax preparation and filing services. The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) offers free tax preparation services, done by IRS-certified volunteers. To find a local tax preparer near you, visit www.irs.gov/Individuals/Find-a-Location-for-Free-Tax-Prep or call 800-906-9887 or feel free to contact my office.

Tax season doesn’t need to be a headache. I urge qualifying families to take advantage of the opportunities they have available to them. As always, feel free to contact me regarding this or any other important community issue at 718-434-0446 or at jacobsr@assembly.state.ny.us.

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