As Tax Deadline Looms, Clock’s Ticking for United Way Tax Benefit Programs

Download the March 2008 issue in PDF format

By Tim Galloway, Director, Labor Participation

Did you know that you may be eligible for up to $4,500 in tax refunds through a federal program the United Way of San Diego County helps coordinate throughout the region?

The EITC program provides refunds to low-to-moderate income workers earning less than $39,783 a year who have children, even if they did not earn enough to pay taxes. Working individuals without children are also eligible. Depending on marital status and number of children, families could get a tax refund of up to $4,500.

There are nearly 90 sites around the county where you can find out if you’re eligible and receive free tax preparation assistance if you qualify. For more information, call 2-1-1. A list of tax locations can be found at http://www.uwsd.org/ourfocus/ earned-income-tax-crediteitc/ eitc-locations-by-region. The tax preparation sites also offer free financial education classes to help make the best use of your refund.

Each year, millions of dollars in earned income tax credits available to low-income families go unclaimed because those who are eligible are unaware of the credit. Our goal is to encourage more San Diegans to claim the refunds they have earned.

United Way’s involvement with EITC is a component of its Community Impact focus area, Promoting Financial Stability and Independence. Last year, United Way and its partners helped county residents obtain more than $5.6 million in EITC refunds. Trained volunteers helped low-income families file more than 29,000 federal and state tax returns.

It is very important to note that you must file your taxes to receive the EITC, even if you did not earn enough money to be required to file.

The EITC benefit is retroactive for three years, so you should review whether you filed for the EITC in recent years. If you meet the eligibility requirements and have not filed for the EITC in 2004, 2005, and/or 2006, you may be entitled to an even larger refund check.

Assistance Funds

Funds for the EFSP Rent & Mortgage Program and the Water Utility Program will be released shortly. Any union member needing assistance can contact the Department of Labor Participation at (619) 641-0074. Be sure to get an application for assistance from your union before scheduling your appointment.

There are certain documents that are required and criteria that need to be met in order to receive assistance with a partial payment on your past due rent, mortgage or water bill. Please make sure to call the Department of Labor Participation and talk to a program technician. They will be available to give you the information needed and set up your appointment.