By Hannah-Beth Jackson
Last year, California created the state’s first-ever Earned Income Tax Credit.
This tax credit, which I supported, will put money back into the pockets of California’s low income working families to help pay for groceries, catch up on bills, or pay for rent, childcare and other necessities. It is estimated that 600,000 California families may qualify.
Those who are eligible must make no more than $6,580 a year and have no dependents, or up to $13,870 with two or more dependents. The average refund a family will receive is $900, and the maximum a family can receive is $2,653. But when combined with a similar federal tax credit, eligible families could receive as much as $6,000 back.
It’s vital that those who qualify file their taxes on or before April 18, which is the only way they can receive this refund. Starting February 1, eligible Californians will also be able to file their taxes for free through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program in their communities. Find a VITA site near you.
Income inequality remains an enormous problem in California, and this represents one step forward. Let’s all get the word out about this program, so we can help bring home every dollar that our community, residents and local economies need.
For more information about the CalEITC, go to caleitc4me.org
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