In Tax Season, Direct-Care Workers Can Take Advantage of EITC

As Americans prepare to file their 2014 federal income taxes, direct-care workers and other low-wage workers should know about the earned income tax credit (EITC).

This year, the EITC is as high as $6,143 for filers who have three or more qualifying children and who earned less than $46,997 last year ($52,427 for married couples).

Millions of tax filers forgo their EITC every year because they do not know about it. The IRS encourages low-wage workers to use the EITC Assistant tool on its website to help determine whether they are eligible for the EITC.

Low-wage workers should also look into the federal Child Tax Credit and Child and Dependent Care Credit, both of which could also provide financial relief this tax season.

Additionally, free tax preparation services are available for low-wage workers. The website My Free Taxes provides free state and federal tax preparation for people who earned $60,000 or less, and Volunteer Income Tax Assistance services are available to those who earned less than $53,000.

— by Matthew Ozga