Tuesday, February 22, 2002
Governor
Scott McCallum
Secretary
Jennifer Reinert |
News Media Contact
Rachel Biittner
608/266-8710
e-mail: news@dwd.state.wi.us
fax: 608/266-1784 | Contact: Rachel Biittner (DWD) 608-266-8710 and Dave Blaska (DOR) 608-261-2271 AGENCIES ALERT LOW INCOME TAX FILERS:
YOU MAY HAVE MONEY COMING TO YOU
Departments alert tax filers they may be eligible for earned income tax credits MADISON – Department of Workforce Development Secretary Jennifer Reinert and Revenue Secretary Richard G. Chandler announced today a new effort to ensure low-income tax filers are aware of the state and federal earned income tax credits and the homestead credit. Wisconsin’s Homestead Credit can be worth up to $1,160. The Wisconsin Earned Income Credit can be worth up to $1,723 plus an additional $4,008 in federal EITC. "Unfortunately, there are many families who are struggling to make ends meet that would qualify for one or all of these tax credits, yet they are not claiming them," said DWD Secretary Jennifer Reinert. "Wisconsin’s tax policies help working families to climb the economic ladder," Revenue Secretary Chandler said. He noted that the Washington D.C.-based Center for Budget an Policy Priorities lists Wisconsin as one of four states whose tax policies are fairest for low-income working families. A recent survey conducted by DWD of people who left welfare for work indicated that 71% of those who were aware of one or both of the earned income tax credits, were claiming them. The survey also indicated that only 46% were aware of the state income tax credit, compared to 70% being aware of the federal credit. "This is money that should be in the pocketbooks of families who need it, and we want to make sure we are doing everything we can to alert families that these tax credits exist," added Secretary Reinert. The Department of Workforce Development is mailing an EITC informational brochure with every W-2 cash benefit check during the month of February, and is making the brochures available at all 76 job centers across the state. The Department of Revenue is distributing the brochures to hundreds of libraries, to state legislators, and local Revenue offices around the state. -30- News Release Index Page
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