LANSING – State Representatives Theresa Abed (D-Grand Ledge) and Tom Cochran (D-Mason) today reminded Michigan’s low-income working families that the state Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) can mean extra money back in their tax refund.
“For low-or moderate-income working families who are still eligible under the new tax law, the Earned Income Tax Credit will allow them to keep more of their paycheck so they can pay their bills and keep food on the table,” said Rep. Abed. “I encourage people to look into this tax credit to see if they qualify. If you qualify, by all means take this tax credit.”
To qualify for the EITC, a person must have earned income from a job and meet certain income requirements. There is both a federal EITC and a Michigan EITC. The Michigan EITC is equal to 6 percent of your federal credit for tax year 2012.
“The EITC rewards work and fights poverty by giving families a little extra money to buy clothing, groceries, or even fix a car so they can get to their job,” said Cochran. “This credit also helps small businesses and local economies because families spend their money at the shops and businesses within their communities.”
Reps. Abed and Cochran also remind people that there are many organizations and groups that offer free tax preparation for many taxpayers. Residents of Ingham and Eaton counties can call 2-1-1 for more information. People can also visit www.michiganfreetaxhelp.org for groups, locations and phone numbers.