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Politics & Government

Mayor Urges Residents to Claim Tax Credit

Many people who could take the Earned Income Tax Credit don't know about it, leaving $300 million in potential refunds unclaimed.

With tax season on the horizon, local officials and community groups began an annual effort today to raise awareness of the Earned Income Tax Credit that can generate hefty refunds for low- and moderate-income families with children.

The credit "is a vastly under-utilized benefit, with up to 20 percent of eligible taxpayers leaving $300 million in credits left on the table," said Elise Buik, president and CEO of United Way of Greater Los Angeles. "Costs for basic needs like housing and food are on the rise, and wage growth is virtually non-existent.

"Last year our goal was to increase participation in EITC by 10 percent, and we succeeded, helping residents claim over $38 million in total refunds," Buik said. "This year, we want to again increase participation in the program by another 10 percent, which means almost 50,000 residents would get free tax assistance and help to claim money that is rightfully theirs, and back into our local economy."

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According to the United Way and other groups taking part in the effort, the Earned Income Tax Credit provides about $2 billion in refunds to qualified taxpayers nationwide. Families who earn less than $49,078 and have three or more qualifying children could receive refunds of up to $5,751, while families earning less than $46,044 with two children can receive up to $5,112.

"In tough economic times we need to make sure hard-working Angelenos are getting all the help they need," Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa said. "We want to ensure that all qualifying low- and moderate-income households reap the benefits of the Earned Income Tax Credit and gain access to free tax assistance."

Find out what's happening in Venice-Mar Vistawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

People who need information about the credit or need help with their taxes can get more information by calling (800) 906-9887 or visiting the EITC Partnership's website at www.FreeTaxHelpLA.com.

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