Erie FREE Taxes

United Way Erie FREE Taxes is a program established to help eligible low to moderate income wage earners claim the federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), a cash refund, by providing them with free tax preparation and filing services at volunteer tax sites.

About the EITC

Created by the federal government in 1975, the EITC is the most effective poverty reduction program in the country. The EITC is a special federal tax benefit for working people who earn low to moderate incomes. It is a refundable credit that reduces or eliminates income taxes they owe. If the amount of tax credit the worker qualifies for is more than the taxes owed, the worker will receive the difference as a cash refund.

Why some taxpayers do not claim the EITC

• Not aware of the credit.
• Do not believe they are eligible.
• Are unfamiliar on how to file a tax return to claim the credit.
• Afraid they will jeopardize other benefits if the claim a credit.