Seattle Courant Archive

In Case You Missed It, January 30th Was Earned Income Tax Credit Day

In Case You Missed It, January 30th Was Earned Income Tax Credit Day

By Keith Vance
February 20, 2009

Between 15 and 17 percent of tax payers entitled to the tax break, simply don't apply for it. Those who do qualify for the tax credit could get back as much as $4,800.

"You work hard and you earn every dollar," Gregoire said. "Taking advantage of the tax credit is the right thing to do for yourself and your family, and it helps inject needed money into the local economy."

According to a Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development press release, the majority of people who don't apply for the earned income tax credit, yet qualify for it, are largely from low-income, elderly or non-English speaking segments of the state's population.

So CDET has teamed up with the IRS, AARP Tax Aide, the United Way and others to spread the word about who qualifies. They are telling everyone who worked in 2008 to file for the earned income tax credit.

So who qualifies?

If you have two or more children and made less than $38,646, or $41,646 if married filing jointly, you could get up to $4,824.

With one kid, the maximum refund is $2,917, if you made less than $33,995, or $36,995 married filing jointly last year.

Even if you don't have kids, you could get up to $438, if made less than $12,880, or $15,880 married filing jointly last year.

Perhaps "Earned Income Tax Credit Day" would be more effective if it were held closer to April 15.