Tax credit informaton

As the April 15th income tax filing deadline approaches, State Senator George Onorato is urging low and moderate-income working individuals and families to determine their eligibility for the federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). This program could provide them with hundreds and even thousands of dollars in welcome tax relief.
In order to help his constituents learn more about the tax credit, Onorato is making available a free brochure providing details about the program.
“The EITC is widely heralded as a valuable tool in helping lower income working individuals and families to make ends meet,” Onorato said. “However, many people who are eligible for this refundable tax credit don’t even know that it exists.”
For the 2005 tax year, the value of the federal EITC ranges from a maximum of $399 for eligible childless workers to as much as $4,400 for those who have two or more children living with them.
In addition, New York State’s EITC - which is equal to 30 percent of the federal credit - is available, together with the City’s tax credit, to provide eligible workers with greater savings.
Eligibility for the EITC is based on age, income and family size. To be eligible, New Yorkers must have been at least 25 but under age 65 at the end of 2005, and must have worked all or part of the year. Income thresholds (which include total earned income and federal adjusted gross income) for the 2005 tax year are as follows:

Single workers without children: Less than $11,750;

Married childless couples (filing jointly): Less than $13,750;

Single workers with one child: Less than $31,030;

Married couples with one child (filing jointly): Less than $33,030;

Single workers with more than one child: Less than $35,263.

Married couples with more than one child (filing jointly): Less than $37,263.
For taxpayers who need help determining their eligibility for the EITC and filling out the appropriate forms to claim the federal and state credits, various forms of assistance exist. To find out about free tax preparation centers in Queens, interested individuals may call the New York City Citizen Service Center at 311 or visit the website of the New York City Department of Consumer Affairs at https://www.nyc.gov/html/dca.
Constituents who would like to receive a copy of Senator Onorato’s brochure on the EITC may call 1-718-545-9706 and ask for extension 7907 in Albany, or e-mail Janet Kash at kash@senate.state.ny.us.