The City of Philadelphia launched its annual awareness and support campaign to help tens of thousands of Philadelphia residents apply for the Federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). The initiative aims to increase EITC awareness for those who are eligible and dispel the misconception that filing is complex and costly.
Though more than 188,000 Philadelphians already claim EITC, over 45,000 residents are estimated to be eligible for EITC but don’t apply. That leaves more than $113 million in tax credits unclaimed.
The City can help residents determine if they are eligible for the EITC, guide them through the filing process and offer convenient assistance through a number of resources. The average Federal EITC refund in Philadelphia is $2,500, and the maximum benefit is $6,557. The 2019 maximum income levels for claiming the EITC refund ranges between $15,570 and $55,952.
“We are working hard to make sure residents of Philadelphia receive what could be thousands of extra dollars in tax refunds through the federal Earned Income Tax Credit,” said Mayor Jim Kenney. “Philadelphians who qualify for the Federal EITC work hard; and many of them struggle to make ends meet, support and provide a quality life for their loved ones. That’s why receiving this credit is so crucial.”
The City has partnered with three non-profit agencies to assist working Philadelphians with tax preparation services: The Campaign for Working Families, a non-profit organization committed to helping working families and individuals achieve economic empowerment; Ceiba and PathWays PA, one of the region’s foremost providers of residential and community-based services for women, children and families.
“We’re working with well-established community leaders and organizations to provide information, as well as 27 free tax filing locations in neighborhoods throughout Philadelphia that provide flexible hours, translation services, IRS-certifed preparers, and access to additional city services,” said Revenue Commissioner Frank Breslin.
To qualify, residents must:
* Have a minimum earned income of $1 to be eligible
* Have income limits that range between $15,570, and $55,952, depending upon whether a person is filing as single, head of household, or married filing jointly, as well as the number of qualifying children
* Be between the ages of 25-65 or have a qualifying child
* Have a valid Social Security number
The filing deadline for the 2019 Federal EITC is April 15, 2020. Eligible taxpayers can also still file or amend returns for the 2016, 2017 and 2018 EITC if they haven’t already. The Philadelphia Department of Revenue is encouraging filing sooner rather than later.
Residents can text FILE to 99000, visit: www.YouEarnedItPhilly.com, or call 215-686-9200 to get more information on the EITC and a list of locations offering tax preparation services through the City’s program.
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