For example, low-income Arizonans can file for the Earned Income Tax Credit, or EITC. The EITC is a federal refundable tax credit available to working, low-income individuals and families. The credit can be worth thousands of dollars and can boost a family income by as much as 35 percent.
To qualify, a taxpayer must meet certain rules and file a tax return – but many Arizonans don’t even know about the credit because they don’t earn enough money to require filing a return. If you, or someone you know, may qualify, you can use the contact resources included below to find out more information.
Also remember that earlier this year, the U.S. Congress passed a nationwide economic stimulus package that includes a federal tax rebate for many people. The rebate is between $300 and $600 for a single taxpayer, and between $600 and $1,200 for a married couple. Even if you didn’t earn enough money last year to be required to file a federal tax return, you need to file a return to get the rebate.
For instance, if you earned certain benefits last year from the federal Department of Veterans Affairs or earned Social Security, you may be eligible, but you need to file a tax return. Nobody will have to pay taxes on the money from the economic stimulus rebate, and if you receive Social Security or veterans benefits, it won’t affect the level of your benefits down the road.
If you have any questions about any of these rebates, there are free Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites around the state that have helped qualified Arizonans recoup millions of dollars in this kind of tax credit. If you think you – or someone you know – may be eligible, I encourage you to call (602) 263-8856 or 1-800-352-3792, or visit http://www.cir.org/seasonal-tax.html. It’s important that all Arizonans get the rebates and tax credits that are intended for them.
As always, feel free to call my office at 602-542-1318 if you have questions or thoughts. Or, please visit our Web site at http://www.azgovernor.gov for information and news in state government.
Yours very truly,
Janet Napolitano
Governor
