Earned Income Tax Credit Campaign

Instituted by Congress in 1975, The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is considered one of the most effective anti-poverty programs in the country. Working individuals and families earning up to $ $48,362 in 2010 may be able to claim a credit up to $5,666, depending on total income and dependents.

The Franklin County EITC Coalition is a group of nonprofit, business, community, labor, immigrant, and religious organizations created in 2002 to encourage qualified working families to take advantage of the Earned Income Tax Credit and to provide free tax preparation services to those with a household income up to $50,000 per year.

With the help of community partners, the Franklin County EITC Coalition began working on outreach efforts to ensure that all eligible families know about the EITC and how to claim it. The Coalition also encourages eligible individuals and families to utilize free tax preparation services by calling 2-1-1 to schedule an appointment with an IRS certified volunteer tax preparer.

In preparation for the 2010 tax year campaign, Coalition partners are working to secure funds to expand the program and increase the number of free tax preparation sites in the Columbus area. With the assistance of Franklin County Board of Commissioners, Columbus City Council, United Way of Central Ohio, IBM, National City Bank, Hands on Central Ohio, the IRS, and a host of other community partners, more families will benefit from this valuable service.

The Franklin County EITC Coalition relies on fully trained volunteer tax preparers. If you are interested in becoming a certified volunteer tax preparer, or would like to volunteer in other ways, please visit www.keepitsaveit.org.