Mainers reminded to check eligibility for tax credit

AUGUSTA — Maine legislators are urging all Mainers to determine whether they are eligible for the Earned-Income Tax Credit, a state and federal program that boosts tax refunds for working-class Americans.
The Maine Legislature recently passed a joint resolution declaring Jan. 25 as EITC Awareness Day.

“The EITC gives money back to hardworking, taxpaying, low-and middle-income Mainers,” said Sen. Eloise Vitelli. “Unfortunately not every Mainer who could qualify for the EITC claims it, which means thousands or Mainers are leaving money on the table. CA$H Maine’s volunteers are a vital part in helping more Maine families learn about the EITC.”
In 2016, the Legislature amended Maine’s tax code to make the state credit refundable, meaning low-income Mainers would see a guaranteed refund, even if their tax liability was already low or they do not owe any income tax.
LD 104 “An Act To Expand the Earned Income Tax Credit in Maine” increased Maine’s EITC from five to 15 percent of the federal EITC amount, bringing Maine more in line with other states’ credit.
The EITC is more important than ever as Maine’s rate of extreme child poverty has grown over recent years. According to CA$H Maine’s website, “Studies of EITC have found that children living in households who receive the credit have improved health and educational outcomes. For such a modest program, it goes a long way to helping keep people out of poverty.”
For more information about the EITC, and to determine eligibility, visit www.eitcoutreach.org/.
Individuals and households with less than $55,000 in income can get their taxes prepared for free by IRS-certified volunteer tax preparers through CA$H Maine, a statewide collaboration of 10 coalitions, comprised of 50 non- and for-profit partners, working together to help empower Maine individuals and families to achieve long-term financial stability. To find a local CA$H Coalition, visit www.cashmaine.org/free-tax-prep/.