Sen. Carper talks taxes
U.S. Sen. Tom Carper recently joined representatives from the Delaware Tax and Financial Services Campaign at First State Community Action Agency In Georgetown to educate and inform residents of tax resources available for filing 2017 returns.
"The Earned Income Tax Credit is the best weapon we have in our arsenal against poverty because we want people to be better off when they work," Carper said. "But you must file taxes for the earned income credit and you must work."
The EITC is a refundable tax credit for low- to moderate-income individuals and families, which varies depending on the recipient's income and number of children. An individual must file taxes to receive this benefit, and must meet certain requirements in order to claim a child or family member under the credit. These include shared residency, age and relationship.
The senior senator said the EITC didn't change in the new 2018 tax bill, although he anticipates many new tax breaks for the highest earners will add billions to the deficit.
The Delaware Tax Campaign sponsors free tax preparation services for low-income individuals and families from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, at First State Community Action Agency and the Delaware Community Reinvestment Council in Georgetown. Statewide, the tax coalition offers free tax services at 15 different locations.
Adrainna Harris is a client who has utilized these tax services and the EITC. Harris said that while she shares the tax credit with her child's father, alternating each year, the EITC has helped her catch up on rent, and pay utilities and tuition for her schooling at Wilmington University.
"Earning this tax credit is a big benefit to me and my family, and my household," Harris said.
Delaware Tax Campaign Director Maisha Thoms said she expects many changes to the tax code will go into effect next year, but 2017 filings still offer a generous credit.
"Never leave money on the table," Thoms said. "So come and see us, and get free tax advice."
For more information, call First State Community Action Agency at 302-856-7761 or go to www.firststatecaa.org.
