Sanford, ME—York County Community Action wants to make life a little easier for workers by alerting them about a special tax credit that can put money in their pockets.

“EITC is a tax benefit for working people and their families and it allows more dollars to flow into our community. It’s money workers can use for groceries, rent, utilities and other bills,” said Meaghan Arzberger, YCCAC Director of Economic Opportunity. “We want workers who may qualify for EITC to have all the information they need to get the EITC and get it right.”

Join the millions who received the EITC. Last year, the credit returned over $62 billion dollars to over 25 million workers. The amount of EITC varies by income, family size and your filing status. It can mean up to 538 dollars in EITC for people without a qualifying child, and up to $6,660 for those with three or more qualifying children. The average amount of EITC received last year was $2,461.

If you qualify for EITC, you must file a tax return, even if you have no tax to pay, to claim the credit. You earned it, now file, claim it and get it.

With the exception of some who receive certain disability income, you must work for someone or run your own business or farm to qualify for EITC. Workers who made less than $56,844 should see if they qualify for EITC.

If you make less than $57,000, you can get free tax help and return preparation through volunteer sites. IRS-certified volunteers ask the needed questions to find out if you qualify for the EITC and other refundable credits. They also prepare and e-file (file electronically) your return at no cost to you. Find a location for free tax return preparation near you at https://www.irs.gov/individuals/free-tax-return-preparation-for-you-by-volunteers  or locate a volunteer site through 211.

Bring the following to make sure our volunteers get you the right amount of credit you earned.

• A valid driver’s license or other photo ID card
• Social security cards, a social security number verification letter for all persons listed on the return
• Birth dates for all persons listed on return
• All income statements: Forms W-2 and 1099, Social Security, unemployment, and other statements, such as pensions, stocks, interest and any documents showing taxes withheld. If you run a business or farm, records of all income earned.
• All records of expenses, such as tuition, mortgage interest or real estate taxes. And, if you run a business or farm, records of all related expenses.
• Copies of last year’s state and federal tax returns, if you have
• Bank routing numbers and account numbers to direct deposit any refund
• Dependent childcare information: name and address of who you paid and either the caretaker’s SSN or other tax identification number
• Both spouses to sign forms to e-file a joint tax return