Are You Eligible for Money Back through the EITC? Find Out With Free Tax Help

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Jan 25, 2019, 09:00 ET

AUSTIN, Texas, Jan. 25, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- January 25, 2019, marks the 13^thanniversary of Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Awareness Day, a nationwide effort to increase awareness about EITC and free tax preparation sites. In 2017, 2.5 million workers in Texas received $7 billion in EITC refunds.

One-third of the EITC population changes each year. The IRS estimates four of five eligible taxpayers claim and get the EITC. EITC combined with the child tax credit (CTC)/additional child tax credit (ACTC) is a financial boost for working people and the local economy. EITC and the CTC greatly reduce poverty for working families. These working-family tax credits lifted 5.8 million people out of poverty in 2016, including 3 million children, and reduced the severity of poverty for another 18.7 million.

EITC varies by income, family size and filing status. To be eligible, workers must have earned income or certain disability income. This means they must have income from working for someone or working for themselves.

EITC can mean thousands of dollars in refund when filing a return with qualifying children. Workers without a qualifying child could be eligible for a smaller credit. On average, EITC adds $2,400 to refunds. This is money workers can use for groceries, rent, utilities and other bills.

Volunteers trained by the Internal Revenue Service ask the needed questions to find out if workers qualify for the EITC and other refundable tax credits. Volunteers at VITA, Volunteer Income Tax Assistance sites, also prepare and e-file (electronically file) tax returns at no cost to the worker.

To find a free tax preparation site, visit IRS.gov Locator Tools or call 211 or 311. Workers should bring the following to make sure they get the right amount of credit they deserve:

A valid driver's license or other photo ID card
Social security cards, a social security number verification letter for all persons listed on the return
Birth dates for all persons listed on return
All income statements: Forms W-2 and 1099, Social Security, unemployment, and other statements, such as pensions, stocks, interest and any documents showing taxes withheld
All records of expenses, such as tuition, mortgage interest, or real estate taxes
Copies of last year's state and federal tax returns, if you have
Bank routing numbers and account numbers to direct deposit any refund
Dependent child care information: name and address of who you paid and either the caretaker's SSN or other tax identification number
If you purchased coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace, Form 1095-A
Both spouses to sign forms to e-file a joint tax return

About Superior HealthPlan
Founded in 1999, Superior HealthPlan is a managed care company that delivers quality healthcare throughout Texas. Committed to transforming the health of the community, one person at a time, Superior supports active local involvement in all 254 Texas counties with 3700 employees in 9 offices throughout the state. Superior is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Centene Corporation, a leading multi-national healthcare enterprise offering both core Medicaid and specialty services. More information on Superior can be found at www.SuperiorHealthPlan.com.

SOURCE Superior HealthPlan