Each year, the IRS invites community organizations, elected officials, state and local governments, schools, employers and others in a national grassroots effort to spotlight the Earned Income Tax Credit on EITC Awareness Day.
This year marked the 11th anniversary of EITC Awareness Day, which took place Jan. 27. Barry University was invited to join this year’s event, which was hosted by the United Way Center for Financial Stability and Branches Inc.
EITC Awareness Day is a joint venture between the IRS and its many partners and stakeholders. The intensive media coverage helps them reach the broadest possible range of eligible taxpayers, including the underserved populations and the newly eligible taxpayers. EITC can increase a federal tax refund from $1 to $6,269 for qualified taxpayers. IRS estimates that 80 percent of eligible taxpayers claim and get this important credit. EITC is a financial boost for working people and the local economy.
Dr. Kevin Kemerer, associate professor of accounting in the Andreas School of Business and site-coordinator for Barry’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) site in Miami Shores, represented the University at the event.
Kemerer, along with students enrolled in the Accounting 362 Federal Income Tax course, serve VITA to assist low to moderate-income taxpayers. They help eligible taxpayers receive the earned income tax credit — a refundable tax credit resulting in additional money back to those in need.
For more information about the VITA site, email Kemerer at kkemerer@barry.edu.