Taveras Launches Earned Income Tax Credit Campaign

Taveras Launches Earned Income Tax Credit Campaign

Providence Mayor Angel Taveras today is kicking off the campaign to get more city residents to take advantage of the earned income tax credit, the country’s largest federal work support program.

“This tax credit is out there waiting for us, with money to assist working people and families struggling to pay for heat, rent, food, electricity and other expenses,” Taveras said in an announcement of the kickoff event, which is 10 a.m. today at the John Hope Settlement House.

 In 2010, $1.1 million came back to Providence taxpayers through the program, including $600,000 in childcare tax, education, and elderly tax credits.

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Several recent temporary changes to the program are giving eligible families an “added financial boost” during the recession, according to the Mayor’s office.Nationwide, 25 million “working” families this year are eligible for an average of $2,000 through the program.

In Providence, the campaign is being coordinated with the John Hope Settlement House, United Way Rhode Island, the IRS and the city’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. The campaign, which is in its 10th year, aims to raise awareness of the program among local families and provide free tax preparation services and financial literacy education.