According to studies from the Internal Revenue Service, Memphis and Shelby County have missed out on nearly $46 million in unclaimed Earned Income Tax Credit refunds since the year 2000. The studies indicate almost 24,200 eligible families failed to claim this important refund even though they qualified based on family income.
United Way of the Mid-South, in cooperation with the Internal Revenue Service, formed a coalition of local businesses, nonprofit agencies, members of the faith-based community and the public sector called the Earned Income Tax Credit Alliance of the Mid-South (E.I.T.C.A.). This partnership is helping many low-income families prepare their taxes and claim their Earned Income Tax Credits.
Nearly 100 volunteers prepared tax returns at sites across the city of Memphis. Next year, these volunteers will file thousands of returns for people with low incomes at no charge. In addition, at many sites people will learn about opportunities to open a variety of different types of bank accounts with money realized through their tax refunds. These efforts will help people have a better financial future, which impacts the quality of life for everyone in our community.
EARNED INCOME TAX CREDIT ALLIANCE LEADERS
Stuart Chamblin (left) and Reginald Milton (right) lead our region's effort to get more Earned Income Tax Credits into our community. Chamblin is from the Memphis Business Journal and Milton is from South Memphis Alliance.
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