Tulsans may be eligible 4or the Earned Income Tax Credit and 4ree tax preparation services

TULSA, OK -- The City of Tulsa’s Office of Financial Empowerment and Community Wealth, in partnership with Goodwill Industries of Tulsa and Tulsa Responds, are working to educate residents on how they can claim the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), which may result in a larger tax refund. To receive the credit, residents must file a tax return and claim the EITC on the return. Residents may also be eligible to receive free tax preparation services through Goodwill Tulsa and Tulsa Responds.

If you worked last year and earned a total household income of less than $63,698, you may be eligible for the EITC, which can mean up to a $7,430 refund when you file a return, if you have qualifying children. Workers without a qualifying child could be eligible for a smaller credit up to $600. According to the Internal Revenue Service, the average amount credited for 2022 was $2,541.

In 2023, 25% of eligible Tulsans did not claim the EITC they earned, leaving millions of dollars on the table. If someone is eligible to file a tax return, even if they don’t owe any tax, it is important to claim the EITC.

“Eligible Tulsans could see significant tax refunds thanks to EITC and other tax credits. These refunds can be a financial boost for working families but if you don’t file your tax return, you may miss out on money you’ve already earned and paid for in taxes,” said Marcela Swenson, Executive Director of Tulsa Responds.

Claiming the EITC is a complex process and varies by income, family size, and filing status. To be eligible, you must have earned income or certain disability income. This means you must have income from working for someone or working for yourself.

If your household earned $64,000 or less last year, you can file your tax return for free at a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) site. VITA sites will be open throughout the city and surrounding areas starting on February 1, 2024. You can make an appointment with an IRS certified tax preparer to ensure you receive the tax credits for which you are eligible.

Between February 1 and April 15, twelve VITA locations across Tulsa, Bixby, and Broken Arrow will be open to serve taxpayers. For specific location information, operating hours, and to schedule an appointment, visit www.getyourrefundtulsa.org. You may also call Goodwill VITA at (918) 581-1277 or Tulsa Responds VITA at (918) 9000918.