Thousands miss out on tax credit

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - The Earned Income Tax Credit is the federal governments largest program benefitting lower earning workers.

It can reduce your taxes and it also can mean a refund.

The IRS estimates that 20 to 25-percent of eligible taxpayers fail to claim it.

Congressman Richard Neal joined Springfield Partners for Community Action to promote the credit, saying that thousands of area families are missing out on the valuable program.

"You can earn up to an additional $1,800. The credit is refundable. It's very nice, very neat, very clean," he says.

You must file a tax return, even you're not required to, in order to qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit.

One way to find out if you're eligible is visiting a free tax preparation site.

If you need free tax preparation assistance, you can call Springfield Partners for Community Action at 263-6500 or visit them at 721 State Street.

For more information on EITC eligibility visit the IRS website at http://www.irs.gov/individuals/article/0,,id=96406,00.html