Child and Dependent Care Credit
What is it?
The Child and Dependent Care Credit is a federal tax credit for working families and individuals who live with and care for a dependent child, spouse, or a person who is unable to care for themselves.
Do I qualify?
You qualify if you pay for the care of a child age 13 or younger as well as older individuals who have lived with you for more than half the year and who are physically or mentally unable to care for themselves. You may not take this credit if your filing status is married filing separately.
How do I apply?
To apply, you can fill out Form 2441 with IRS form 1040 or 1040A. You can also have your taxes done for free by a trained volunteer with the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA).
Child Tax Credit
What is it?
The Child Tax Credit is a federal tax credit you can claim if you have dependent children. It may be worth as much as $1,000 per qualifying child depending on your income.
Do I qualify?
You qualify if you have children under 17 related to you who have lived with you for more than half the year. The child must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or U.S. resident alien.
How do I apply?
To apply, you can use IRS Publication 972 Child Tax Credit, available at IRS.gov or 800-TAX-FORM. You can also have your taxes done for free by a trained volunteer with VITA.
Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
What is it?
The EITC reduces the amount of tax you owe and is available to working taxpayers with low to moderate income. The EITC comes in the form of a refund check from the IRS.
Do I qualify?
To qualify, you must have a valid social security number and meet the income limits specified below. You must file "married filing jointly", "head of household", "qualifying widow(er)", or
"single". Qualifying children are those under age 19 or under age 24 if the child is a full-time student. They must have lived with you in the U.S. for more than half the year, and be your son, daughter, grandchild, adopted child, foster child, sibling, niece or nephew. Permanently disabled children of any age qualify. Children must have a valid Social Security Number.
How do I apply?
You can apply for this credit by filling out IRS Form 1040 or 1040A and attaching IRS Schedule EIC. You can also have your taxes done for free by a trained volunteer with the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA).
Pennsylvania Tax Forgiveness Program
What is it?
The PA Tax Forgiveness Program helps reduce the amount of state taxes owed on your tax returns.
Do I qualify?
Click here for eligibility income tables.
How do I apply?
To receive Tax Forgiveness, you must file a PA income tax return and complete PA Schedule SP. You can also have your taxes done for free by a trained volunteer with the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA).
SERVICES
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA)
What is it?
VITA provides free income tax services by IRS trained staff to people who need help filing their taxes. VITA sites are located statewide and are available from late January to mid-April. For services provided, see Publication 3676-B.
Do I qualify?
If you make under $53,000 a year, you can use VITA services.
How do I apply?
If you live in the Philadelphia/Delaware County area, call PathWays PA at (610) 543-5022. You can also call the IRS to find out more about the program at 1-800-906-9887. To find a VITA site, click here.
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