United Way invests $10,000 to increase claiming EITC in Chelsea

CHELSEA- United Way of Massachusetts Bay & Merrimack Valley announced today that it will make a new investment of $10,000 aimed at helping more Chelsea residents file for their Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), a refundable federal income tax credit for low-income working individuals and families.  This first-time investment, which will support a free tax preparation site at Chelsea Neighborhood Developers, marks the expansion of United Way's EITC effort into Chelsea, which leaves an estimated $1.3 million in tax credits unclaimed each year.

"With the economy pushing many Massachusetts families into financial crisis, we need to ensure that people have the information and assistance they need to access
EITC and use it to build savings and financial security," said Michael K. Durkin, President and CEO of United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley.  "In addition to traditional outreach, we are encouraging individuals who have not previously been eligible for EITC but may have experienced a job loss or a change in salary this year,
to look into their eligibility."

Individuals who earned less than less than $42,000 in 2008 may be eligible to receive more than $5000 of their earnings back through EITC, money that low and moderate
income families can use to pay off debt or save for the future. It also benefits the local economy. Federal EITC brought over one-half billion into the Massachusetts economy in 2008, an 8% increase from the previous season.  The state EITC results in another $8.5
million.

Chelsea Neighborhood Developers (CND) will be partnering with City of Chelsea Schools and Chelsea Housing Authority to create "mobile filing sites" throughout the city. The mobile sites, which are part of a broader effort with the Commonwealth's Department of Housing and Community Development linking housing development residents to savings and
other opportunities building financial stability, will provide more access to EITC for individuals with tight schedules due to work or family responsibilities.  In addition, Chelsea Neighborhood Developers will be partnering with KoolSmiles Childcare to provide free childcare for parents while they take advantage of the filing services at the CND main tax preparation site. Chelsea residents claiming EITC through Chelsea Neighborhood Developers can also be connected to other local financial stability services.  For example, Community Action Programs Inter City (CAPIC), another Chelsea EITC partner, connects residents to fuel assistance.

Chelsea Neighborhood Developers, which is located on 4 Gerrish Avenue, will be open to income eligible families for free tax preparation Mondays and Thursdays from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. during tax season (January 24th to April 13th).  Mobile filing sites will be open Wednesdays
from 3:00 to 6:00pm.  Mobile site locations and dates will be announced as plans are finalized. For more information about EITC eligibility and appointments at Chelsea Neighborhood Developers, call 617-889-1375 ext 10 or 16.  Chelsea's EITC campaign will kick-off on Monday, January 26 at 3pm at Chelsea City Hall.

This year, United Way will invest $53,000 to raise awareness and equip free tax preparation sites throughout the region. The investment is part of a larger strategy to
improve financial stability among individuals and families. United Way also invests in basic needs, housing, education and training, and other asset building opportunities that help low-income families achieve financial stability.

To find another free tax preparation site, residents can dial 2-1-1, United Way's free health and human service referral hotline. Filers earning $56,000 or less can also get free tax services and, if eligible, access their EITC online. By visiting the Boston Beehive Website, a partnership between United Way and One Economy, users can access Web-based tools and information about financial services and file their federal and state income
tax returns.

United Way partners with the IRS, Bank of America and other community leaders across the region to ensure that Massachusetts residents have the information and resources they need to access their full earned income tax credit. On Friday, January 30th at 2pm, United Way will be joining a Statewide EITC Event at Boston City Hall.  United Way's larger strategy to improve financial stability among individuals and families invests in skills development, education, career advancement, and asset building opportunities.