Mayor Proclaims January 29 As 'EITC Awareness Day' In The City Of Tulsa

Press release from City of Tulsa:

January 29, 2021

Today, Mayor G.T. Bynum proclaimed Jan. 29, 2021, as “EITC Awareness Day” in the city of Tulsa, joining the national annual EITC Awareness Day.

The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a tax break for working families who meet certain eligibility requirements based on earned income, number of children and marital status. Those who qualify could use the tax credit to reduce the taxes they owe and could increase their refund.

While about 78 percent of eligible taxpayers receive the EITC, the rest do not claim the credit, according to the IRS. That is why the City of Tulsa and its Financial Empowerment Center (FEC) is joining local partners, including the George Kaiser Family Foundation, Goodwill Industries of Tulsa and Tulsa Responds, to bring awareness of this tax credit and direct individuals to free tax preparation help.

“We want eligible Tulsans who qualify for the EITC to claim this tax credit that could help offset any negative financial effects of the pandemic,” Mayor G.T. Bynum said. “By collaborating with local partners, we hope to provide individuals helpful resources this tax season to build resiliency in our city.”

Tulsa’s FEC offers one-on-one financial counseling for residents at no cost. Trained counselors provide services in English and Spanish, and Goodwill uses Language Line to support Tulsans who speak other languages.

To learn more about the FEC services offered, visit: https://www.cityoftulsa.org/blueprint. Residents can make an appointment with an FEC counselor online.

To learn more about the EITC and determine your eligibility, visit: http://getyourrefundtulsa.org/.

Residents can learn more about free tax filing services through Goodwill’s VITA program starting on February 1 online.

This press release was produced by the City of Tulsa. The views expressed here are the author’s own.