HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-022RESOLUTION NO. 11-022
A RESOLUTION PROCLAIMING JANUARY 28, 2011, AS "EARNED
INCOME TAX CREDIT (EITC) AWARENESS DAY" IN ST. LUCIE COUNTY,
FLORIDA
WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners of St. Lucie County, Florida, has made the
following determinations:
1. The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), approved by Congress in 175, is a refundable
federal income tax credit far lowjmoderate income working indeviduals and families and is the
nation's largest anti-poverty program. When the credit exceeds the amount of taxes owed, it results
in a tax refund to those who qualify for and claim the credit. The EITC was devised to improve quality
of life by encouraging the use of this refund for necessities such as reliable transportation, safe
housing, college funds or savings. This credit improves the economy by bringing in and circulating
mare money into the local ecanomy,
2. Each year millions of dollars of EarnedlncomeTaxCreditsgounclaimedbytheworking
families in St. Lucie County because they lack information or affordable assistance. St. Lucie County
is workingto substantially increase the number of families claiming EITC dollars, with additional goals
to provide access to financial education and other asset building programs.
3. Annually many low/moderate income residents pay high prices for tax preparation
services, as well as exorbitant interest on rapid refund loans. The availablity of local volunteer income
tax assistance (VITA} sites is an additional service of which many residents are unaware.
4. This campaign, sponsored by St. Lucie County Community Services, is a unique
collaboration of public, private and non-profit organizations across the four county area, supported
by the Treasure Coast Community Action Agency, City of Port St. Lucie, Miracle Prayer Temple,
Mustard Seed Ministries, Harvest Food and Outreach, Volunteers in Tax Assistance (VITA), other
businesses and community-based organizations, and many local volunteers.
5. Through this effort, citizens can receive free tax preparation by volunteer preparers
at five sites throughoutSt. Lucie County, ensuringthatthose eligibleforthe Earned IncomeTaxCredit
will receive their full, earned share.
6. St. Lucie County is proud to share in this effort of promoting economic opportunity and
financial education to our citizens:
• New EITC provisions mean more money for larger families.
• EITC can be a financial boost for working people hit by hard economic times.
• One in four eligible taxpayers could miss out because they are not aware of EITC.
• Taxpayers can get free help determining their eligibility for EITC and other credits by
visiting a local volunteer tax preparation site, by visiting their local IRS Taxpayer
Assistance Center, or using the EITC Assistant at www.irs.govJeitc.
• Anyone who earned less than $49,000 and whose financial, marital or parental status
changed this year should check to see if they qualify.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners of St. Lucie
County, Florida:
1. This Board does hereby proclaim January 28, 2011, as "EARNED INCOME TAX CREDIT
(EITC} AWARENESS DAY" in St. Lucie County, Florida.
2. This Board commends all those taking part in this campaign far their dedication to
providing our citizens with knowledge and tools for improved financial self-sufficiency; and encourage
individuals and families to take full advantage of the many ben fits afforded them by the EITC.
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PASSED AND DULY ADOPTED rhiq~-~- ~__ day of ~'~~~~ , 2011.
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