Millions in Tax Credits for Low-Income Residents

Millions of dollars in tax credits are waiting to be claimed by local low-income residents, and free help is available to help them file for the credits. The Financial Stability Partnership, led by United Way of Allen County and the Volunteer Center @ RSVP are in charge of the effort to help residents file their tax returns and file for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC).

As much as $6 million in tax credits go unclaimed in Allen County each year. Last year the Financial Stability Partnership helped over 1,000 low-income residents file their returns, and $1.4 million was returned to these residents and the community. Residents earning less than $42,000 annually may qualify for the EITC and could be eligible to receive more than $4,500 back in tax credits.

Assistance is available through April 13, 2009. To determine if they qualify, residents can download an EITC flyer from United Way's Web site at unitedwayallencounty.org, or dial 2-1-1 and ask for information from a trained phone counselor.