Debt Consolidation Loans For Bad Credit In UK Debt Consolidation Loans For Bad Credit In UK

Find out more on Debt Consolidation Loans For Bad Credit In UK Now!

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Earned Income Credit (EIC): What Is It?

By William Blake

Taxpayers are always very interested in the various tax credits that they can use to reduce their overall tax payments. The Earned Income Credit, commonly referred to as the EIC, is a tax credit which was established in an effort to help people who earn a low income to live as well as possible in their financial situation.

Set up in the year 1975, the concept behind the earned income credit was that since poor workers were having to pay so much in income taxes that they could never hope to move up the financial ladder they needed to be able to pay less taxes. By means of the EIC, low income families are given back a large amount of the money that has been deducted from their pay because of taxes throughout the year.

As time has passed, the amount that the earned income credit returns to individuals has gone up. Supporters of the EIC assert that the earned income credit does more for low income workers than simply increasing the minimum wage would. This is because people who are awarded the EIC use the money they get back to make purchases that boost their local economy.

There are three types of EIC eligible incomes. The first is money that is earned at a job. This money would include any wages earned by means of tips. If you are given a bonus by your employer, it can also be counted towards the earned income credit.

Secondly, there is money earned as a self-employee. People can own their own business and still not be able to make ends meet for themselves or their families. Every penny earned through the business is considered in the earned income credit equation.

Lastly, money made by someone under your care is considered. Teenagers have weekend and/or summer jobs. The money may not be enough for them to file a return of their own, but it is added to what their parents earn. Together, the income determines the amount of the earned income tax credit you qualify to receive.

The money that your investments earn for you is counted as income by the IRS, as is money you collect because of unemployment. These sources of income may reduce your chances of getting the earned income credit. For example, if your investments earn you more than $2,800 in one year, you are disqualified from the EIC.

Sadly, many tax filers are not even aware that they qualify for the earned income credit. Many people think they don't qualify or just are not aware of the EIC. Some people do not earn enough to have to file their taxes, but still qualify for the EIC. Be sure to check into the EIC so that you don't miss out on this opportunity.

About the Author:

0 Comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]

<< Home