CA$H Maine had 909 returns qualify for the EITC in 2023, bringing in $1,489,725 in EITC refunds to the state.

Maine workers may get a larger tax refund this year because of the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). But to get it, you must file a tax return and claim it.

Friday, January 31, 2025, marks the 19th anniversary of EITC Awareness Day, a nationwide effort to increase awareness about EITC and free tax preparation sites. This year, IRS is promoting EITC and providing information on other refundable tax credits that you may be eligible for. This includes the Child Tax Credit (CTC), the Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC), the Credit for Other Dependents (ODC) and the American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC). Read about additional tax credits here.

If you worked last year and had income of less than  $59,899 ($66,819 if married filing jointly), check out your eligibility for EITC. EITC can mean up to a $7,830 refund when you file a return if you have qualifying children. Workers without a qualifying child could be eligible for a smaller credit up to $632.  Last year, eligible workers received an average EITC amount of $2748.

Why is it important to have an EITC Awareness Day each year? One-third of the EITC population changes each year. The IRS estimates that four out of five workers claim the EITC they earned. This leaves billions of dollars on the table each year. We want to get the word out to those who are eligible to file a tax return even if they don’t owe any tax to claim the EITC. It’s money workers can use for groceries, rent, utilities and other bills.

EITC is complex. It varies by income, family size and your filing status. To be eligible, you must have earned income or certain disability income. This means you must have income from working for someone or working for yourself.

Volunteers at CA$H Maine sites– trained by the Internal Revenue Service – ask you the needed questions to find out if you qualify for the EITC and other refundable tax credits. CA$H Maine volunteers can also prepare and e-file (electronically file) your tax return at no cost to you. Read More