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Claim Your Credits & Get a Boost!
Currently there are more than 37 million older adults either living in poverty or only one life event away from slipping into it. Those who have endured systemic discrimination and racism face an even higher poverty rate. Many of these older adults are eligible to receive money back on their tax refunds each year and claim the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) but are unaware of this potential income boost. Tax returns and credits have proven to be the most effective way to lift individuals and families out of poverty and it is the joint goal of United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona in partnership with AARP Foundation and PCOA to help older adults with low income stabilize their finances by helping them file their taxes for free and claim all tax credits available to them.
The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a federal tax refund for individuals and families that meet certain eligibility requirements. In 2023, qualifying community members can earn between $560 – $6,935 back on their federal tax returns in EITC dollars. If it is your first time filing for EITC, you can also get refunds for the previous 3 years. The average tax refund in Southern Arizona is about $2,000.
You or a loved one could qualify to receive EITC if:
- You (and your spouse, if filing a joint return) have a valid social security number (SSN).
- Your 2022 earned income is less than $59,187.
- You are 25 – 65 years of age OR have a qualifying child
To claim your EITC Credit you need only file your taxes and United Way of Tucson is here to help! Skip the tax preparation services that charge up to 40% of your refund and utilize United Way of Tucson’s FREE Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program. VITA provides free tax preparation services for any household earning up to $73,000 and works to ensure you receive all tax credits available to you including the EITC. You’ll receive quality service from IRS-certified volunteer tax preparers who are ready to make sure you get the maximum refund you deserve.
VITA 2022 statistics
VITA has several different ways to utilize their free tax preparation services including:
- In-person services: Return preparation on-site, typically completed the same day. Walk-ins welcome at many sites or schedule an appointment.
- Online Services: Virtual return preparation, typically completed in 2 weeks.
– Submit your information and documents here,
– OR come to an in-person site and we’ll collect your information and scan your documents - Do-it-yourself software
If you are an older adult or if you know an older adult who is eligible to receive VITA’s services and claim an Earned Income Tax Credit, we encourage you to sign up for an appointment today. The deadline to file taxes this year is April 18th, 2023, so let our IRS certified preparers help you and your loved ones get the maximum refund available to you today! Visit our VITA page to get started.
