Low-wage workers often face a dual challenge as they struggle to make ends meet. In many instances, the wages they earn are insufficient to encourage additional hours of work or long-term attachment to the labor force. At the same time, most state and local tax systems impose greater responsibilities on poor families than on wealthy ones, making it even harder for low-wage workers to move above the poverty line and achieve meaningful economic security. The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is designed to help low-wage workers meet both those challenges. This policy brief explains how the credit works at the federal level and what policymakers can do to build upon it at the state level.
Tax Credits for Workers and Families
State and local tax policies can often make it more difficult for low- and moderate-income individuals and families to make ends meet. Through the use of a variety of targeted tax credits, state lawmakers can help improve both the fairness of their tax systems as well as the standard of living for low- and moderate-income residents. ITEP resources on tax credits for workers and families provide general and state-specific information about the mechanics of these credits and options for reform including state Earned Income Tax Credits, property tax circuit breakers and child-related tax credits.
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brief September 1, 2011 Rewarding Work Through Earned Income Tax Credits
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brief September 1, 2011 Reducing the Cost of Child Care Through Income Tax Credits
Low- and middle-income working parents frequently spend a significant portion of their income on child care. As an increasing number of single parents take jobs, and as the number of two-earner families continues to rise, child care expenses are an unavoidable and increasingly unaffordable expense for these families. This policy brief looks at one way of making child care more affordable: the dependent care tax credit offered by the federal government and many states.
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report March 16, 2011 ITEP’s Testimony on EITC Legislation
My testimony focuses on House Bill 581, which would create a Missouri Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). In particular, my testimony will discuss the impact of this bill on the… -
report September 15, 2010 Credit Where Credit is (Over) Due: Four State Tax Policies Could Lessen the Effect that State Tax Systems Have in Exacerbating Poverty
The ongoing recession has had an unrelenting impact on families and communities in every state across the country. Millions of Americans are without work and in many cases those with… -
report March 25, 2010 Proposed Repeal of Refundable Low Income Credit Would Hurt the Poorest Georgians
Earlier this week, the tax writing committee in the Georgia House of Representatives quietly approved a bill, HB 1219, that would increase Georgia taxes by about $20 million a year… -
report March 9, 2007 ITEP Testimony on Nebraska EITC Expansion
My testimony focuses on Legislative Bill 683, which would expand the Nebraska Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). In particular, my testimony will discuss the impact of this bill on the…