Would you like to increase your employees’ take-home pay without actually increasing their salaries? One way to do that is to tell them about a valuable tax credit that could put up to $5,600 in their pockets.
Employees who earned less than $48,000 in 2010 may qualify for the Earned income Tax Credit, or EITC. The IRS estimates that up to one in four qualifying individuals will fail to claim and receive the credit. At JK Harris, we believe that no one should pay more in taxes than they are required to by law and that every taxpayer should take advantage of all the deductions and tax credits to which they are legally entitled.
The Earned Income Tax Credit or the EITC is a refundable federal income tax credit for low to moderate income working individuals and families. Congress originally approved the tax credit legislation in 1975 in part to offset the burden of social security taxes and to provide an incentive to work. When EITC exceeds the amount of taxes owed, it results in a tax refund to those who claim and qualify for the credit. In other words, some individuals can pay zero in taxes and still get a check from the government for the EITC. In addition, many states offer a similar credit; click here for a list of states with an EITC.
To qualify for the EITC, taxpayers must meet certain requirements and file a tax return, even if they would not otherwise be required to file.
Use your company communication channels to let your employees know they may be eligible for this tax credit. Include notices with their paychecks and W-2 forms; put posters up in employee break rooms; post information about the EITC on your company intranet site; write an article for your company newsletter; send an email blast to all employees; and include information about the EITC in your new employee orientations.
Don’t let your employees pay more in taxes than they should. Tell them about the EITC today.
