ABCD staff and volunteers sprang into action during tax season 2021, providing individuals, families and seniors with low to moderate income with expert assistance filling out and filing their federal and state income tax returns. All eligible participants received the significant Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and the expanded Child Tax Credit (CTC). ABCD is part of the Internal Revenue Service Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program.
ABCD met the challenges of the pandemic with virtual and drop-off programs, completing 2,517 returns that gave back $6,076,646 in federal and state refunds to low and moderate income residents of Boston neighborhoods and the Mystic Valley region.
Those returns included $1,353,994 in EITC and $437,448 in CTC credits.
ABCD President/CEO John J. Drew praised the hard work and initiative of VITA workers across the city and region. “They were there for people who need them, finding creative ways during the pandemic to bring this all-important program to qualified workers who get a considerable financial boost from EITC and CTC.” . “This is money that working people have earned and deserve. It can provide food, rent and heat for low-income households all year long.”
Drew also applauded the recent increase in the Child Tax Credit under President Biden’s American Rescue Plan. He called the CTC an important step in moving low-income families out of poverty.
The Child Tax Credit was first established in 1997. The American Rescue Plan increased the credit for eligible families to $3,600 per child under age 6, and $3,000 per child between ages 6-17. Eligible families can receive monthly payments. Read more.
