Sen. Espaillat Encourages Community to Take Advantage of Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)

New York, NY (Jan. 28, 2011) – New York State Senator Adriano Espaillat (D, WFP – 31^st district) is encouraging his constituents and all New Yorkers to take advantage of the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) as part of EITC Awareness Day, which is being marked today, January 28.

EITC is a refundable credit for people who work but do not earn high incomes. “The Earned Income Tax Credit is an option all eligible New Yorkers should avail,” Sen. Adriano Espaillat. “It can save individuals an average of $2,200; substantial savings, particularly during these tough economic times.”

According to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), last year saw over 25 million workers benefit from EITC which returned more than $57 billion to eligible taxpayers. The maximum refund can reach up to $5,600. The amount of credit varies depending on income, family size, and marital status.

In order to be eligible, individuals must earn under $48,000 and have worked at least part of 2010. Workers can qualify with they file individually or jointly, with or without children.

“We commend Sen. Adriano Espaillat for his efforts in raising awareness about the EITC and we’re eager to continue working with his office in helping local residents receive the maximum tax refund available,” said Maria Lizardo, Deputy Director of Client Services at the Northern Manhattan Improvement Corporation (NMIC). NMIC is offering tax preparation assistance, free of charge. NMIC can be reached at (212) 822-8300.

Additionally, Constituents can contact Sen. Espaillat’s office for help finding free tax preparation services and for questions regarding EITC. The office can be reached by phone at (212) 544-0173 or by email at info@adrianoespaillat.org. More information regarding the EITC can also be found on www.irs.gov.