The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is one of the most effective measures for helping families to increase their financial stability and avoid poverty.   There is a federal and state EITC; together they greatly enhance a family’s income and keep more children out of poverty.

The United Way’s Earn It! Keep It! Save It! campaign helps eligible families receive the tax refunds they’ve earned.

• Families who earned less than $54,000 in 2016 may be eligible for the federal EITC and to have their taxes done for free by IRS-certified volunteers. You can find a complete list of free tax assistance sites in Contra Costa County here or by calling 211.
• Families who earned less than $14,161 in 2016 may be eligible for California’s EITC and up to $2,700 in tax credits. Find eligibility information here.
• The California Budget and Policy Center has an interactive tool that shows how much families and individuals can expect to receive from both the state and federal credits based on their tax filing status, the number of children they support, and their annual earnings from work.