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Keep It Goal 5
Families file tax returns annually.

Common Sense
  • In rural places, it is more difficult to find reasonably priced, competent and reputable tax assistance.
  • Families that do not file taxes jeopardize the financial fitness they need to get jobs and credit – and they start a downward spiral of debt.

Fast Facts

Check out related Action Ideas and Alerts below! Or view other Keep It goals here.

Earned Income Tax Credit Outreach Pays Off for Rural America

$24 billion is a great deal of asset-building change. That’s the annual dollar value of Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) claims for working families in rural America*. EITC is one of those critical poverty-fighting tax benefits that rewards work for low- and moderate-income working people. At lower incomes, the more a family earns, the more […]

Integrating Affordable Health Insurance Enrollment into Tax Prep Programs

A virtual peer learning series for rural practitioners – The RuFES Action Network recognizes that there are some opportunities where a little help from your friends can make a big difference. Integrating affordable health insurance enrollment into tax prep programs is one of those opportunities. This year only, health insurance enrollment under the Affordable Care Act will overlap with […]

Combining Tax Prep and Affordable Health Insurance

A Wealthier and Healthier Tax Time The Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) launch in October brought big changes to the coming tax-filing season.  This year only, health insurance enrollment under ACA will overlap with tax season.  While penalties will apply in future tax seasons, this year, families can enroll in health insurance and get the coverage […]

A Wealthier and Healthier Tax Time

Every autumn, RuFES Network members start gearing up their free tax assistance promotional campaigns and programs. Their aim?  Help low-income rural families file their taxes and obtain the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Child Tax Credits (CTC) for which they qualify. This tax season, you can make even more difference at tax time – by helping low-income […]

Prepare to Run a First-Rate Rural EITC Program

Ready Set Tax Prep Webinar Screenshot

Ready… Set… Tax Prep! Note: This webinar was presented in fall 2012.  Some data and figures are out of date, but the stories and outreach strategies remain relevant. For information on maximum credits and EITC qualification rules, see the IRS website.  You can also watch our 2013 webinar, A Wealthier and Healthier Tax Time. It’s […]

Ready… Set… Tax Prep! Prepare to Run a First-Rate Rural EITC Program

The EITC, in place since 1975, continues to play an important role in providing critical financial resources to hard-working low-income families across the U.S. In 2013, working families filing for the EITC (for the 2012 tax year) will be able to receive up to $5,891, a significant boost for families who are trying not only […]

Broaden Your Rural EITC Scope — RuFES Webinar Mini-Series

The EITC continues to serve as a critical support for low-and moderate-income families trying to get ahead, by providing them with a much needed a financial infusion. This support assists families in a number of ways, including to help pay off critical bills, get an IDA, purchase U.S. Savings Bonds, and much more. The following […]

Prepare to Run a First-Rate Rural EITC Campaign!

Since its enactment in 1975, the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) has provided low-income Americans with a financial boost and continues to lift millions of people out of poverty every year.  This reward for work can make all the difference for low-income working families trying to get ahead. Indeed, the EITC also offers a boost […]

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