Earned Income Tax Credit can give Oregonians larger refund

The federal Earned Income Tax Credit distributed about $63 billion to 5 million eligible workers and families last year nationwide. The average amount of EITC received was about $2,488 and up to $6,269 if the person filing has qualifying children.

But many Oregonians don’t know that they are eligible.

That’s why Friday, Jan. 25 has been designated Earned Income Tax Credit Awareness Day. This is a national effort to reach out to individuals and families with low incomes to increase awareness of the federal tax credit and local free tax preparation help. People are encouraged to visit IRS’ website today to learn more about the credit and eligibility requirements.

The Oregon Department of Human Services and the Oregon Department of Revenue are working with other state agencies and community partners to encourage taxpayers to learn more about this credit and find out if they’re eligible.

To be eligible, taxpayers must have earned income last year. The taxpayer and all individuals claimed on their federal return must have valid Social Security numbers. Other eligibility requirements for filers include:

They can’t use the “married filing separate” filing status. Children they’re claiming on their return can’t be the qualifying child of another person.