CAAB

Investing in People, Strengthening Communities

Bringing More Federal Dollars to DC Low-Income Families through the EITC 

 
Capital Area Asset Builders (CAAB) is pleased to announce the launch of the 2017 DC EITC Campaign. The DC EITC Campaign is a citywide, cross-sector initiative that promotes economic security and asset building for low- and moderate-income individuals and families by providing access to information on the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), free tax preparation services and capacity building opportunities throughout Washington, DC.

Bringing More Federal Dollars to DC Low-Income Families through the EITC 

In 2016, over 53,000 DC Residents Received over $124 Million
in the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). However, Thousands of Eligible DC Residents are not Taking Advantage of this Valuable Tax Credit.


Washington, DC – January 3, 2017 – Capital Area Asset Builders (CAAB) is pleased to announce the launch of the 2017 DC EITC Campaign. The DC EITC Campaign is a citywide, cross-sector initiative that promotes economic security and asset building for low- and moderate-income individuals and families by providing access to information on the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), free tax preparation services and capacity building opportunities throughout Washington, DC.

The EITC is one of the most effective policy tools for lifting Americans out of poverty,” said Rich Petersen, CAAB’s Executive Director. “It is our objective that all eligible DC residents are aware of the EITC and claim it. The EITC can make a real difference to low- and moderate-income DC individuals and families, particularly when they’re struggling in this recovering economy.”

In 2016, per the IRS, over 53,000 low- and moderate-income working District residents received over $124 Million in the EITC. The average EITC amount received in 2017 in the District was $2,337. “The Earned Income Tax Credit puts money back in the pockets of District of Columbia working individuals and families, helps them save for their financial future and puts more residents on a pathway to the middle class,” said Brian Kenner, DC’s Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development. “The Bowser Administration encourages all eligible DC residents to claim the EITC – don’t leave money on the table. You worked hard for it -- claim it!”

More work still needs to be done to ensure all eligible District residents know about the EITC and claim it. It is estimated that approximately 20,000 eligible lower-wage DC residents are still not claiming the EITC thus not receiving over $40 million in federal tax credits. “We need to inform, educate and empower our community on the EITC,” said Joseph Leitmann-Santa Cruz, CAAB’s Associate Director and Manager of the DC EITC Campaign. “It is the goal of CAAB to ensure DC residents do not overlook this valuable tax credit. We look forward to working with multiple partners in DC to promote awareness of the EITC. CAAB is interested in partnering with community-based organizations, private sector, faith based organizations, public sector and other stakeholders to raise awareness of the EITC and other key asset-building initiatives.”

The goals of the DC EITC Campaign are to: 1) Promote awareness of the Federal and DC Earned Income Tax Credit to ensure that eligible workers know how to claim the credits; 2) Educate taxpayers about numerous Federal and DC tax benefits; 3) Provide opportunities for free tax preparation for qualified DC residents; and, 4) Connect taxpayers with programs and services to improve financial stability.

The DC EITC Campaign receives financial and technical support from the Government of the District of Columbia, United Way of the National Capital Area as well as other business and non-profit organizations in Washington, DC.

For more information on the DC EITC Campaign please contact Joseph Leitmann-Santa Cruz, CAAB’s Associate Director and Manager of the DC EITC Campaign, by phone at (202) 419-1440 x 102 or by email at jleitmann-santacruz@caab.org.

 

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About Capital Area Asset Builders

Capital Area Asset Builders (CAAB) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to empower low- and moderate-income residents of the Greater DC Area to take control of their finances, increase their savings, and build wealth for a better future.

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How to give

Now, more than ever, non-profits like Capital Area Asset Builders (CAAB) need your help. Please support CAAB as we continue to help DC residents manage and/or improve their financial situation during these difficult times. If you can't afford to give a monetary gift, please visit our Amazon Wish List where you can choose from a variety of items that CAAB needs in order to better serve our community.

or send a check or money order to
Capital Area Asset Builders (CAAB)
c/o Joseph Leitmann-Santa Cruz, CEO & Executive Director
1100 15th St, NW, 4th Floor 
Washington, DC 20005