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The City of Cleveland has launched a targeted campaign in partnership with Enterprise Community Partners and The Cuyahoga EITC Coalition to help eligible residents claim the expanded 2021 Child Tax Credit.
The expanded Child Tax Credit provides $3,600 for each eligible child 5 and under and $3,000 per child aged 6-17. Individuals and families who earn less than $58,000 are eligible to receive free tax preparation services and support filing through the EITC Coalition.
Families who filed 2019 or 2020 tax returns (or non-filers who received IRS stimulus payments) receive this credit automatically, but recent data suggests there are approximately 3,450 eligible families in Cleveland that may not be receiving this benefit. This could translate to approximately $13 million in tax credits going directly to the families who need it most.
“There are millions of dollars on the table for families and children in Cleveland and it’s our job as a City to highlight what resources are available to residents. We’re launching a targeted campaign and outreach to make sure residents claim their benefits, giving low-income families a cash boost at tax time,” Mayor Justin M. Bibb said. “It helped my family growing up with household expenses and unexpected costs. It won’t end poverty overnight, but it can make a difference.”
As the poorest big city in America, with more than half the city’s children living in poverty, the City of Cleveland is committed to assisting residents to claim the Child Tax Credit to get the support they deserve.
“These tax credits help families establish greater financial stability, offset high housing costs, pay for medical care and help fund education,” said Ayonna Blue Donald, vice president, Ohio market for Enterprise Community Partners. “Families can use these dollars however they are most needed, and we are pleased to partner with the City of Cleveland to get the word out about the credits and the services we provide throughout Cuyahoga County.”
Eligible residents are encouraged to make an appointment for free tax preparation services or get help claiming the Child Tax Credit at refundohio.org or by calling 211 and dialing 2 for information on free tax preparation. Services are available at 14 tax sites located throughout Cuyahoga County through April 18, 2022.
Mayor Bibb is encouraging residents to consider if they are eligible to claim the Child Tax Credit and make an appointment at the nearest tax site today.
About the Child Tax Credit:
Part of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA), the expanded Child Tax Credit has already provided payments to the families of over 61 million children. The credit amount for children 5 and under is $3,600 per child and fully refundable (previously $2,000 per child / $1,400 refundable). The expanded credit also increases the age for a qualifying child to 17 and no income is needed to qualify. Those not required to file taxes may register with the IRS to receive payment. Additionally, the Earned Income Tax Credit has also expanded for the 2021 tax year and will reach as many as 17 million more workers this year.
About The Cuyahoga EITC Coalition:
Formed in 2005, and with ongoing support from Cuyahoga County and other funders, the Cuyahoga EITC Coalition is part of the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. With hundreds of volunteers and in partnership with many community-based organizations, the Coalition has been helping hardworking families and individuals in Cuyahoga County make use of the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), Child Tax Credit (CTC) and other asset-building programs. The EITC is the largest, most effective anti-poverty program in the country designed to supplement the income of people who are struggling to make ends meet. Individuals or families earning less than $58,000 a year qualify for free tax preparation. Translation services are available in Spanish, Mandarin Chinese, Cantonese, and American Sign Language. Learn more at refundohio.org.