Credibility, legitimacy, and a fresh approach

That’s what tax outreach leaders today said this new report contributes to their efforts increasing Californians’ awareness of the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC).

In the hectic final month of tax season, with the market saturated by tax preparers, free and for-profit, crowing about April 15th, those are no small feats. The report, which calls notice to the economic importance of this federal antipoverty program, was the topic of a how-to discussion today designed to help “Make Sure Local Tax Refunds Aren’t “Left on the table” Using New Research to Increase Awareness of the EITC.”

The report authors broke down pages of research and tables for advocates across the state, answering questions and telling people how to find their own county’s numbers in the report.

Kelly Batson of the United Way of the Bay Area said that the data outlining just how much is lost when credits go unclaimed made for a great media approach, as evident in several stories since the report release.

Bob Cohen of Legal Aid of Orange County said that the report provides instant understanding of the magnitude of the problem- and the magnitude of the opportunity.

Joe Martinez, of the United Way of Greater Los Angeles, summed it up: “We’re all in the same boat.” The EITC is beneficial to the working poor, to businesses, and to local and state governments, and everyone loses when credits aren’t claimed. More than a billion dollars this year in California, the estimates in the report show.

The Asset Building Program provided examples of a press release and shared a little of what we’ve done in this effort over the last two weeks.

The numbers aren’t magic; they don’t put this money into our pockets and state economy all by themselves. But they are a powerful tool for those who struggle to get the word out about programs that help families. And that’s why, while perhaps some conference calls lull listeners to sleep, today’s was a call to action.

You can find out more by listening to the audio recording of the webinar, available on the event page. And hurry- now is the time.