WARRENSVILLE HEIGHTS, OH – Congresswoman Marcia L. Fudge (OH-11) urges the media and the community to join her in promoting awareness of the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC).  The EITC is a refundable federal income tax credit for low income working individuals and families.

From 2010 tax returns, 66,801 residents of the 11^th Congressional District received earned income credits totaling over $165 million.  Statewide, about 949,600 Ohio workers received the credit, saving them $2.06 billion.  It saved each Ohioan an average of $2,170.

"We are talking about keeping thousands of dollars in the pockets of Ohio workers and families, many of whom are still trying to recover from harsh economic conditions and replenish savings while planning for the future.  It's critically important to remember that in order to receive the credit and reimbursement of funds, citizens must file a tax return.  We cannot remind people enough of the value of the EITC."

The IRS will begin accepting e-file and Free File returns on Jan. 17, 2012.

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Resources

• Residents can identify whether they qualify for the EITC this year by taking a short survey on the IRS website: http://www.irs.gov/individuals/article/0,,id=130102,00.html
• For additional questions, residents should contact the local IRS office:

                1240 E. Ninth St. Cleveland, OH 44199   (216) 522-4048 

• Free File: Residents can prepare and e-file a federal return for free. Participating software companies make their products available through the IRS.
• Youtube video on Earned Income Tax Credit

IRS: Information on the Earned Income Tax Credit