Earned Income Tax Credit can put money in your pocket

Photo by AMagill. Creative Commons.

You could be cheating yourself at tax time, even if you are not required to file a tax return. The IRS estimates that one in four eligible taxpayers will overlook the Earned Income Tax Credit – or EITC.

Last year the average return for Washington State filers was $1985, with a maximum of $5600. It is estimated that the EITC program returns more than $2 million each year to eligible Shoreline residents.

Non-traditional families, such as grandparents raising grandchildren, childless workers, and taxpayers with limited English proficiency are among those most likely to overlook the credit.

Three free tax preparation sites are available in Shoreline to help you file your 2010 return and get the EITC refund, if you qualify:

King County Library, Richmond Beach Branch

19601 21st Avenue NW

February 4 through April 15

Fridays 10 am to 4 pm

Tax filers should schedule an appointment by calling 206-365-1536. While appointments have priority, walk-ins will be accommodated as time permits.

King County Library, Shoreline Branch

345 NE 175th St 

Thursdays February 3 through April 14, 4:30 to 8 pm.

Saturdays February 5 through April 9, Noon to 4 pm

No appointment necessary.

Hopelink Shoreline Center

15809 Westminster (Aurora Square next to Marshall’s)

January 19 through April 14

Wednesdays and Thursdays 5 pm – 9 pm

Saturdays 10:00 am to 2 pm

No appointment necessary.

For a list of all free tax preparation sites in King County call 2-1-1.

To qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit, tax filers must have incomes under the limits listed below.

• $13,440 ($18,440 married filing jointly) if you do not have a qualifying child.
• $35,463 ($40,463 married filing jointly) if you have one qualifying child.
• $40,295 ($45,295 married filing jointly) if you have two qualifying children.
• $43,279 ($48,279 married filing jointly) if you have three or more qualifying children.
• Investment income cannot be more than $3,100.

Families with children may also apply for the Child Tax Credit, worth up to $1,000 per qualifying child. Additional credits are also available to working families for the cost of child care, bring documentation of your child care expenses including the child care agency’s tax I.D. or the Social Security number of the provider.

--from the office of the Shoreline City Manager