Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Program

As an organization or agency serving low-income families in New Jersey, you can help the people you serve have more available cash by promoting the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) program.

What is EITC?

It is a special federal and state tax benefit for low-income working families and individuals that may:

• increase the tax refund to be received,
• decrease the amount of taxes owed, or
• provide a refund even if taxes are not owed.

Depending on the income of the taxpayer, the federal EITC credit can be between $457 and $5,666 and the state EITC credit between $91 to $1,133.

How Can You Promote EITC?

• Forward this web page to all your partnering agencies.
• Review the 2011 Fact Sheet (black & white version) for more detailed information.
• Distribute EITC flyers (black & white version) 
• Talk to your clients about the program.
• Provide your clients with information about the Volunteer Income Tax Assistant (VITA) sites in your community by calling 2-1-1.  The VITA Program offers free tax help to low- to moderate-income (generally, $49,000 and below) people who cannot prepare their own tax returns.
• Visit www.njeitc.org for eligibility requirements and additional information.

For further information, please contact Ursula Baker, Education and Outreach Coordinator, Division of Family Development at (609) 584-4097 or via e-mail at ursula.baker@dhs.state.nj.us.