I have found the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) refund has supported my family in many ways. It has met my basic needs, helped me pay my property tax, get caught up on utilities, buy a winter coat, and allowed me to make a deposit so my son could go to college. The EITC is an important aid because many low-income people are working as many hours as they can. It can help prevent people from being forced into welfare and help them keep jobs. The EITC helped me and my son when I was going through a divorce and my ex-husband didn’t want to make childcare payments. The EITC has given me more dignity.

Data sources

• U.S. Census Bureau, “American FactFinder,” 2007 American Community Survey (accessed May 2011). Data came from the following tables: Statewide poverty percentages, GCT1701, Ratio of income to poverty level, C17002
• U.S. Census Bureau, “American FactFinder,” 2009 American Community Survey (accessed May 2011). Data came from the following tables: Statewide poverty percentages, GCT1701, Ratio of income to poverty level, C17002
• Half in Ten analysis of Table 1, 2007 State Expenditure Report, National Association of State Budget Officers.
• Half in Ten analysis of Table 1, 2009 State Expenditure Report, National Association of State Budget Officers.
• IRS EITC09. EITC09PY Table as of 12/31/10. IRS Master File, posted to IRS website, EIC Participation For Tax Year 2009, by State.