Earned Income Tax Credit

Mainers receive income boosting credits that help workers, families, and retirees make ends meet — simply by filing income taxes every year. The Earned Income Tax Credit is one of these supports. Learn more about what it is, why it matters, and how to get it.

The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is for working people with low income and builds a stronger foundation for families by providing a few hundred dollars more in their annual tax refund.

People who work hard should be able to afford basics to make ends meet, but low-wage jobs often mean families struggle to keep up. The EITC is a proven tool to reduce poverty, give kids from families with low income a better shot at success later in life, and help people stay working, especially single parents with low wage jobs who, as primary caregivers, struggle with balancing schedules and affordable childcare.

The 130th Maine Legislature and governor doubled the state EITC — meaning more working people in rural, suburban, and urban communities can make ends meet.

Resources

By filing taxes, people and families with low income
can make sure they aren’t leaving money on the table.