United Way of Oxford, Ohio, and Vicinity

Local Initiatives Earned Income Tax Credit The local initiative, called "IT'S MONEY IN YOUR POCKET," was begun in 2005 and resulted in Butler County residents receiving more than $258,030 in tax refunds. What: Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a federal tax credit for low-to-moderate income working people. The amount of the EITC depends on total income, size of family, and other considerations. This IRS initiative, called "It's Money in Your Pocket," is sponsored by the IRS; Legal Aid Society; the United Ways of Oxford, Butler County, and Greater Cincinnati; Butler County Workplace; Community Counseling & Crisis Center; and Family Resource Center. EITC can mean thousands of dollars for a low-to-moderate working family. For example, a working family with two or more children that files a tax return for the previous year may be eligible for up to $4,300 in EITC. Average refund is $1,763. Who: Taxpayers must meet certain eligibility rules and file a tax return (even if they are not otherwise required to file a tax return). Eligibility for a full or partial credit means the taxpayer must have earned income of at least $1 but less than: $34,458 ($35,458 married filing jointly) and two or more qualifying children $30, 338 ($31,338 married filing jointly) and one qualifying child $11,490 ($12,490 married filing jointly) with no qualifying children Where: In Oxford, the "It's Money in Your Pocket" income tax filing site is the Family Resource Center, 5445 College Corner Pike. When: Late January to mid-April Why: The EITC is the federal government's largest anti-poverty program. In 2003, an estimated 3,593 eligible Butler County families did not claim credits totaling $2.28 M. However, 16,500 county residents did -- receiving more than $26 M in tax credits. In addition, EITC: Provides a means to financial independence Facilitates money being reinvested in our community through home purchases, educational expenses, financial services. Cost: FREE! Tax Preparers: Volunteers, students from Miami University's Honors Program, will have undergone an 8-hour IRS training course on how to use Tax Wise, the tax preparation software. A site coordinator will also be present to assist taxpayers.