As the Monday April 18 tax filing deadline approaches, Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard (CA-34) urges all eligible taxpayers in the 34th Congressional District and throughout the Los Angeles area to take advantage of three important federal tax credits – the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), the Child Tax Credit (CTC) and the Making Work Pay Credit – as well as free tax preparation services.

“During these challenging economic times when so many families are struggling, I want to make sure all eligible taxpayers take advantage of these federal tax credits and free tax preparation services that will ultimately put more money in their pockets,” Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard said.  “I hate to see eligible families lose out simply because they are not aware of these potential savings, they don’t realize they qualify or because they don’t know where to go to find free tax-filing assistance.”

Families that earned less than $48,362 in 2010 may be eligible for the EITC.  Eligibility for the credit depends on factors such as a taxpayer’s total income and family size.  For some families, the Earned Income Tax Credit is worth up to $5,666.  The EITC is first used to cover any federal taxes owed by an eligible worker.  After any tax liability is paid off, tax filers receive all of their remaining Earned Income Tax Credit in the form of a check from the IRS. 

The Child Tax Credit allows families to claim a credit worth up to $1,000 for each qualifying child under 17.  Similar to the Earned Income Tax Credit, the Child Tax Credit is first used to reduce or pay off any taxes owed by the family.  After that, depending upon a family's income, some filers may also qualify to receive a refund of all or part of any leftover Child Tax Credit funds.   

In addition, certain workers who are self-employed, or whose spouse did not work, or who did not earn enough to have income tax withheld in 2010, can claim the Making Work Pay Credit (MWPC) on their tax return, which is worth up to $800 for a married couple.  (Note: Many workers received the MWPC in 2010 in their paychecks)

Finally, free tax preparation services from trained community volunteers are also available through the "Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)” program.  Eligible taxpayers can find out more about the tax credits and locate nearby VITA sites by visiting www.eitc-la.com or by calling the 2-1-1 information hotline in Los Angeles County and asking the operator for VITA site locations.  Seniors can also locate free AARP tax-aide counseling sites in their area by calling 1-888 227-7669.  Questions can also be answered by calling the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 or by visiting the federal agency's web site at www.irs.gov.

(Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard’s office offers a wide variety of services to the community, including financial aid workshops, a service academy workshop, a scholarship directory and constituent casework services to assist district residents in resolving problems with federal agencies such as the Internal Revenue Service, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the Social Security Administration.  More information about federal services can be obtained by visiting Congresswoman Roybal-Allard’s web site at www.house.gov/roybal-allard or by calling her district office at (213) 628-9230.)

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