FORT LAUDERDALE, FL -- United Way of Broward County, in collaboration with community partners, is proud to offer an Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) program, providing free tax assistance to low-income families in the community who earn a household income of less than $53,000. In addition, United Way of Broward County’s Mobile Resource Center, along with Hispanic Unity's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) workers, is touring the County through April 15th in order to reach residents who do not have the ability or means to access accountants or financial advisors. To view the 2015 Mobile Resource Center locations and schedule please visit www.unitedwaybroward.org/eitc.
The program ensures more Broward County residents have the opportunity to file for Earned Income Tax Credits (EITC) and that they can receive the funds they desperately need.
“Broward County residents need to be informed of what tax credits are available, how they can qualify, and where to file” said Kathleen Cannon, President & CEO of United Way of Broward County. “The funds from these credits continue to improve the lives of many Broward County residents and help make a positive effect building our economy”
The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and the Child Tax Credit (CTC) programs provide federal tax benefits for low and moderate-income workers. The EITC benefit can be worth up to $6,242 for families who worked in 2014. Workers raising children who earned less than a household income of about $53,000 in 2014 may be eligible for the EITC. In order to claim the credits, eligible workers must file a tax return.
Preparing a tax return can be complicated, and tax filers often seek help from commercial tax preparers who charge high fees that ultimately reduce the value of any refund the worker is eligible to receive. According to national estimates, 20 to 25 percent of eligible workers do not claim their EITC benefits, equaling millions of dollars that are not being distributed to working families who earn tax credits.
Community partners in this collaborative effort include: United Way of Broward County, Children’s Services Council of Broward County, Hispanic Unity of Florida, Urban League of Broward County, Wells Fargo, JM Family Enterprises, Inc., Consolidated Credit Counseling Services, Inc., 2-1-1 Broward, Internal Revenue Service, Broward County and HandsOn Broward
For the Mobile Resource Center schedule, please visit UnitedWayBroward.org or contact Natalie Beasley at (954) 453-3765 or nbeasley@unitedwaybroward.org. Please visit www.irs.gov to view a complete list of EITC income limits, maximum credit amounts, and tax law updates.
About United Way of Broward County
United Way of Broward County is a volunteer driven, community-based, non-profit organization servicing Broward County for 75 years. United Way of Broward County mission is to focus and unite the entire community to create significant lasting change in the impact areas of Education, Income and Health, the building blocks for a better life, which positively impacts people’s lives. United Way of Broward County is the catalyst for change and convener of partnerships that unite the hearts, minds, and resources within the Broward community. For more information, visit www.UnitedWayBroward.org.
About the Mobile Resource Center
United Way of Broward County’s Mobile Resource Center is part of the Center for Working Families, a collaborative effort among United Way of Broward County, Hispanic Unity of Florida, Urban League of Broward County, and the Children’s Services Council of Broward County. The Center for Working Families will assist members of the community who need individualized emergency and economic development services so that they can achieve and maintain economic stability.
