Posted in [Recent Posts]

One of the best tools we have for boosting low- and moderate-income families is the federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). It is designed to reward work, and can put thousands of dollars in the pockets of working families. While businesses and higher income families often hire outside help to file their taxes, or simply have more knowledge of the process, many lower income families do not, and therefore do not file for the EITC and the refunds that they have earned.  As a result, Texas communities have left over one billion dollars on the table.

That is changing in recent years, as Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) programs help families file their taxes and claim the refunds they deserve.  We are particularly proud of the San Antonio program, which is now the largest in the nation. To expand VITA efforts further in San Antonio and to other parts of the state, I passed legislation last year to establish a VITA grant program, although Governor Perry vetoed it.

But in the coming days what the VITA programs really need is volunteers. This is an opportunity for you to make a major impact in the lives of local families, and learn more about our tax system in the process. Here's more information from our local United Way in San Antonio, but there are also programs in other communities around the state.