The federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and similar state tax credits in 18 states provide literally billions of dollars in assistance to lower-income working families. These tax credits can greatly enhance prospects for family economic success and bring new resources into the local economy... but only if they are claimed by those who are eligible.
Acknowledgments: This toolkit was made possible by the generous financial support of the Annie E. Casey Foundation and the Joyce Foundation. We are also indebted to all who contributed to the development of this new resource, including significant input from the Annie E. Casey Foundation; Center on Budget and Policy Priorities; Center for Economic Progress/National Community Tax Coalition; Internal Revenue Service; United Way of America; and the cities of Dayton, Ohio; Hattiesburg, Mississippi; Indianapolis, Indiana; and San Antonio, Texas. |
This toolkit was created to help municipal leaders maximize the potential impact of the EITC by ensuring that eligible families have the information and assistance they need to claim these tax credits. Based on the latest research and best practices from across the nation, this toolkit includes:
concrete ideas for action and issues for consideration related to outreach, free tax assistance, and related opportunities;
city examples from around the country;
specific roles for local elected officials and advice based on other cities’ experiences;
a sample timeline for activities customized based on the time of year when your city is initiating EITC efforts;
sample campaign materials - from business outreach letters to sample flyers and intake forms; and
contact information for a wide variety of national resources and local IRS territory managers throughout the country.
The National League of Cities, through its Institute for Youth, Education, and Families, stands ready to assist city officials in developing local EITC outreach and free tax preparation campaigns. We encourage you to contact us if you have any questions or comments or would like a hardcopy of this toolkit.