January 2007

Making Tax Time Pay: How the Earned Income Tax Credit Benefits Working Families

For the second tax season in a row, JOTF partnered with the Baltimore CASH Campaign to host “Making Tax Time Pay: How the Earned Income Tax Credit Benefits Working Families.” The sold-out event took place on January 9th, 2007. This annual workshop gives local service providers and advocates the information they need to help ensure their clients take advantage of all the tax credits they are entitled to.

The most significant credit most low-income families can claim is the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). The EITC was created in 1975 to encourage employment among low-income workers, reduce their tax-burden, and supplement their wages. Yet many working families are not aware of this benefit, or remain unsure about how to claim it. Through education and outreach about the EITC, workforce development agencies and other community-based organizations can help boost family incomes, promote mainstream employment, and stimulate local economies.

Joanna Smith-Ramani, Director of the Baltimore CASH Campaign, gave an overview of the initiative and the free tax services available to low-income clients. Pam Chaney, the CASH Campaign’s Operations Director, discussed the benefits and eligibility criteria for the most relevant tax credits. The Annie E. Casey Foundation generously provided space for the event.

Click here to view power point presentation: "A Campaign for Working Families"

Useful resources available below from the January 10th event in PDF format.

"File Smart and Save Big This Tax Season": Several Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites provide free services in DC and MD. Find out if you qualify for free tax preparation and locate a VITA site in your neighborhood.

"Free Tax Preparation and Earned Income Tax Credit": Listed here are free tax prep locations for Baltimore City and The State of Maryland.

(Documents are in PDF format.)

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