Boise, Idaho – People who work but don’t earn a lot of money may be eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), as well as free help preparing their income tax return. Today marks EITC Awareness Day, a nationwide effort to increase public awareness about the EITC and free tax preparation sites.

In Boise, business, government and non-profit leaders gathered at the Boise Senior Center to kick-off this year’s Free Tax Help Program and announce 20 locations throughout the Treasure Valley that will offer free tax assistance to qualified families and individuals. The program provides important resources and information to help the elderly, low-income, non-English speaking, and disabled taxpayers with the preparation of their tax returns by trained volunteers and at no cost to them.

United Way of Treasure Valley, who is helping promote the program along with Bank of America, said each year more than $11 million in EITC goes unclaimed right here in the Treasure Valley. “We have an opportunity to help thousands of people gain greater financial independence,” said Sally Zive, President and CEO, United Way. “EITC lifts more families out of poverty than any other federal aid program, providing families with increased savings and reduced debt. We know families use it to pay for necessities, repair homes and vehicles that are needed to commute to work, and in some cases, to help boost their employability and earning power by obtaining additional education or training.”

Last year, the program helped 7,170 people file their taxes and returned nearly $7 million in federal tax refunds into Treasure Valley communities. Still, the IRS estimates that 20 to 25 percent of eligible taxpayers fail to claim the credit which could put as much as $4,824 into the pockets of a family with two children. Taxpayers with earnings of or below $41,646 (if married filing jointly) should check to see if they qualify.

Idaho State Treasurer Ron Crane who spoke at today’s event is serving as program spokesman. Organizers played a radio commercial featuring Crane, which will soon begin airing on Treasure Valley radio stations, promoting the free tax help sites. “In Idaho, this day marks the kick-off of the Free Tax Help Program around the State,” said Crane. “This particular event focuses on those 20 sites here in the Treasure Valley – one of which is in this building. For those individuals and families needing this service, all they have to do is call 2-1-1, the Idaho CareLine, to get information about the site nearest them.”

Bank of America is again sponsoring United Way’s Free Tax Help Program and is partnering to get the word out to Treasure Valley residents who qualify for EITC. “We believe it is important to help those individuals and families in our communities who are struggling to make ends meet,” said Kurt Walsdorf, Idaho President, Bank of America. “We are proud to continue our partnership with United Way of Treasure Valley in support of the Earned Income Tax Credit Program.”

Organizers at today’s event say some individuals and families may qualify for the credit for the first time because of unemployment or other changes in their financial, marital or parental status during the past year. They also say that the current economic situation could increase demand and the number of people needing free tax help this year.

Along with the radio announcements, the campaign includes posters and advertising on all Valley Ride buses in Boise and Nampa. Valley Ride donated free ad space to the program.

Besides calling 2-1-1, you can also visit United Way’s website for a full list of free tax site locations and hours.

Other partners include 211 - the Idaho CareLine, AARP Tax-Aide, the IRS, the Coalition for Economic Improvement, and other local organizations.