Building Family Economic Success: The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)

By the Annie E. Casey Foundation

August 2, 2005

Summary

This report serves as a quick primer on the Earned Income Tax Credit — what it is and why it matters to America’s hardworking families. Readers will also learn about a Casey-led campaign that succeeded in boosting the credit’s profile while securing more than $310 million in tax relief for low-income households.  This document is one installment in a 10-part series, called Building Family Economic Success, that spotlights how the Annie E. Casey Foundation is helping to economically empower families across the country.

Key Takeaway

The EITC is designed to give the working poor a fighting chance

The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is our nation’s largest and most important anti-poverty program. It offers hard-working families a means to reduce debt, accrue savings, offset education costs and fund larger purchases like a car or a down payment on a home. It also funnels millions of dollars into the economies of distressed urban and rural communities.

Findings & Stats

Statements & Quotations