YOU EARNED IT. TAKE THE CASH!

Welcome to YouEarnedIt.org, a site dedicated to educating you about the Earned Income Tax Credit, the EITC.  Please feel free to explore the site and learn more about one of the most powerful poverty fighting programs in the United States. 

Important: This site is for information purposes only.  If you have any questions or are unsure about how to file for the EITC, please consult a certified tax preparer.

What is the EITC?

The EITC is a tax credit for qualifying individuals and families who have worked and had an earned income of less than $49,078 for the 2011 tax year.  Qualifying families could be eligible for up to $5,751 this tax season.  To see if you might be eligible, click here.

In 1975 Congress approved the tax credit legislation to offset the burden of social security taxes and to provide an incentive to work.  The EITC has no effect on certain welfare benefits.  In most cases, EITC payments will not be used to determine eligibility for Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), food stamps, low-income housing or most Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) payments.

                                                                                                             - IRS, www.irs.gov

Do you Qualify?

Qualifying Children	Single with an annual gross income (AGI) less than	Married filing jointly with an AGI less than
Three or more	$ 43,998	$ 49,078
Two	$ 40,964	$ 46,044
One	$ 36,052	$ 41,132
None	$ 13,660	$ 18,740

To qualify you must meet all of the following requirements:

Must have: Earned income Valid Social Security Number U.S. Citizenship or resident alien all year Less than $3,100 investment income

Must not: Have foreign earned income File “Married filing separately” Be the qualifying child of another person Be under age 25 or over age 65, if no children

Checklist for filing
– The following is a list of things you will need to prepare your taxes: 

• Taxpayer's Proof of Identity

• A copy of last year's tax return

• Social Security and/or ITIN cards for you, your spouse and dependents

• Identification number for Child Care Provider

• All forms, W-2, 1098 and 1099 for 2011

• 1099 forms and proof of other income received

• 1099-G forms for unemployment received

• 1099-R for pension income

• 1099-INT or DIV for interest or dividends

• 1099-MISC for self-employment income

• Business Expenses if you file Schedule C-EZ

• Information for deductions/credits:

• Child support annual statements

• Social Security summary statements for 2011

• Amount you paid per month in rent; landlord’s name and address

• Mortgage statements

• Amount of 2011 Health Insurance premiums paid out of pocket

• Copies of your property tax bills (summer and winter)

• Call local city or township office if you can’t find your information

• Be sure to include home’s TAXABLE VALUE (TV)

• Home heating costs from 11/01/2010 – 10/31/2011

• Heating credit will be printed on your heating bill

• Or call your heat provider’s customer service for “Home Heating Credit” tax information

• Proof of account for direct deposit of refund (e.g. voided check)

• IRS or MI notices, if any, that you received in 2011

Helpful Links and Phone Numbers