Some Ohioans who qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) could earn up to $5,666 extra on their tax return. They either don’t know about EITC, or don’t know how to claim it. The Ohio Treasury can help.
What is the Earned Income Tax Credit?
The federal Earned Income Tax Credit enables taxpayers earning low to moderate wages receive a larger federal tax refund. Approximately 160,000 Ohio families qualify for the federal program but don’t take advantage of the credit.
As a government official, The Ohio Treasurer knows how important it is to serve his constituents—especially during these times of economic challenges. Sometimes, helping can be as simple as making people aware of easy ways to save more of their hard-earned money.
Who is eligible?
If your gross income is less than the below amounts, you could be eligible to receive the EITC.
| Income |
Filing Status |
Dependents |
| $48,362 or less |
married with |
3+ |
| $48,352 or less |
single with |
3+ |
| $45,373 or less |
married with |
2 |
| $40,363 or less |
single with |
2 |
| $40,545 or less |
married with |
1 |
| $35,535 or less |
single with |
1 |
| $18,470 or less |
married with |
0 |
| $13,460 or less |
single with |
0 |
Call the Ohio Benefit Bank at (800) 648-1176 or the Internal Revenue Service’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) site program at (800) 906-9887 to find out if you qualify for EITC. In many parts of the state, you can also dial 2-1-1 to speak with a representative who can help you determine your eligibility.
Why EITC is important
The EITC lifts more children above the poverty line than any other government program. In 2005, more than 22 million households applied for the EITC and received an average refund of $1,864. According to a 2006 Brookings Institution study, an estimated 5 million people, including 2.6 million children, were lifted above the poverty line as a result of the program. This year the maximum credit is $5,666. Millions of federal dollars that could be injected into Ohio’s economy are going unclaimed. Ohio’s economy would be boosted if every eligible Ohioan took advantage of this tax credit.
How do I claim the EITC?
Just file your tax return, but don’t hire someone to prepare it because you could end up with less money in your pocket. Fast, free tax preparation services are available. The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program uses volunteers to prepare simple tax returns for taxpayers with low to moderate income (generally $48,362 and below). They will help you determine any credits for which you might be eligible, including the EITC, at no charge. To find a VITA site near you, call the Internal Revenue Service toll-free at (800) 906-9887. You can also call the Ohio Benefit Bank (OBB) at (800) 648-1176 to find an OBB site near you. Many OBB sites also do free tax preparation.