In an effort to put cold hard cash back into the pockets of Detroiters, Deputy Mayor Todd Bettison and a coalition of community partners have announced a campaign to help residents claim their due in tax credits, tapping into millions of federal and state dollars. Drawing on last year's success, which saw Detroit families bringing in over $330 million in Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) refunds, the initiative is now revved up by new state legislation that has fattened the Michigan EITC by five times.
Announced today, the campaign, backed by Accounting Aid Society, United Way for Southeastern Michigan, Wayne Metropolitan Community Action Agency, and Community Development Advocates of Detroit, is calling all city dwellers to file their tax returns and rake in the credits. "It’s easy and free for most Detroiters, residents can call and make an appointment today, so they don’t leave money unclaimed," Bettison said, according to the City of Detroit's official news portal. Despite the increase in EITC, an estimated $80 million previously remained unclaimed annually.
Eligible locals can tap into the Michigan EITC, valued now at 30% of the federal EITC thanks to the 2023 legislation, with potential added refunds for the 2022 tax year due to retroactive policy changes. State Rep. Stephanie A. Young (D-Detroit) told City of Detroit's official news portal, "I proudly voted yes for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) to benefit hundreds of thousands of Michiganders, ultimately uplifting more children out of poverty and bolstering the local economy." Checks from the state of Michigan will start hitting mailboxes starting February 13, with the process lasting up to six weeks.
For families with children, the Child Tax Credit offers $1500 to $2000 per child, targeting families who earned a minimum of $2500 in 2023, with children and caregivers in possession of a valid Social Security Number. Gardening the extra support, "expert tax prep" is accessible to residents with incomes less than $64,000, bringing in-person, drop-and-go, and virtual tax helpers into play at no cost. "Our volunteer tax preparers and staff are ready to help tax filers obtain the EITC - a powerful tool designed to provide financial support to help families thrive," Priscilla Perkins, President and CEO of Accounting Aid Society, claimed by way of City of Detroit's news announcement.
The coalition is hitting the streets with outreach efforts, targeting especially those most likely to miss out, including first-time parents, non-traditional family structures, and households with limited financial literacy. With the expanded Michigan EITC and federal credits bolstering family budgets amid inflation, Jeff Miles of United Way expressed, "These tax credits can also serve as a springboard to economic mobility," speaking to the City of Detroit's official news portal. Residents ready to claim their money can start by calling 2-1-1 or visiting www.getthetaxfacts.org to get started on securing their refunds.
