This report — the result of a United Way of America survey and working group — reflects the organization’s staunch commitment to helping vulnerable families utilize the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). It offers field-tested advice, square-one strategies and EITC program facts as part of a larger effort to help United Way sites across the country support local EITC campaigns.
Introducing the EITC—America’s largest and most powerful antipoverty program
In 2003, the EITC lifted five million Americans out of poverty while returning a combined $36 billion to 20 million low-wage workers. Despite the program’s success, the Internal Review Service estimates that four million eligible families fail to file for the credit each year.
Findings & Stats
Problem Solving
This report offers solutions to five challenges that United Ways may face during EITC campaigns. Challenge No. 1: To ensure quality tax preparation, sites can hire professional tax preparers to review returns completed by volunteers.
A Critical Link
Many United Ways are linking their EITC campaigns to asset building education. Of the 111 sites that answered the survey call: 42% reported linking their efforts to financial education; 35% to budgeting courses; and 28% to debt reduction education.
Bonus Material
This publication's information-rich appendices include: a list of 18 EITC campaign resources and profiles of three United Way sites that expanded EITC awareness, provided tax assistance and generated outreach support.
And the Survey Says...
United Way of America’s national survey identifies five partners that are critical to the success of an EITC campaign: 1) local organizations; 2) businesses; 3) financial institutions; 4) higher education institutions; and 5) government.
Statements & Quotations
Together, the 1,400 United Ways across the country possess enormous potential to increase the number of individuals and families lifted out of poverty through the EITC.
United Ways — like no other system of community organizations — have the networks, credibility, and social service infrastructure critical to expand EITC awareness and tax preparation services for lower income individuals.
EITC campaigns speak directly to the United Way mission of improving people’s lives by mobilizing the caring power of communities.
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