Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a benefit for working families that helps reduce the amount of tax that they owe and may even give them a refund. To qualify, you must have earned income and meet some basic requirements. You can even file your taxes from up to three years ago free of charge if you think you might have qualified! In 2021, VITA helped claim $7.5 million in Earned Income Tax Credits. Ask your VITA volunteer if you qualify!
The Recovery Rebate Credit is authorized by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Any eligible individual who did not receive the full amount of the recovery rebate as an advance payment, also known as an Economic Impact Payment, can claim the Recovery Rebate Credit on a 2020 Form 1040 or Form 1040-SR. Generally, this credit will increase the amount of your tax refund or lower the amount of the tax you owe.