Earned Income Tax Credit Awareness Day
EITC Awareness Day is an annual campaign aimed at increasing awareness about the EITC and encouraging eligible individuals to claim the credit. Despite its benefits, the IRS estimates that about one in five eligible taxpayers do not claim the EITC, leaving billions of dollars unclaimed each year.
Help eligible low-income workers discover unclaimed EITC refunds through accessible, community-driven awareness and free tax assistance partnerships.
- Did you know? 1 in 5 eligible workers miss out on EITC refunds—billions left unclaimed each year.
- Free tax help is closer than you think: Find local EITC assistance in your community.
- Check your eligibility in 5 minutes: Simple tools to see if you qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit.
- Share the word: Help a friend or family member claim the tax credit they've earned.
Earned Income Tax Credit Awareness Day started in 2006. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) created it with help from community partners.
Their goal was simple—get the word out. Many workers qualified for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) but never claimed it. That meant they missed out on money that could help with everyday expenses.
At the time, the IRS saw that a large number of eligible people didn’t even know the credit existed. Some didn’t file taxes.
Others didn’t realize their earnings met the requirements. To fix that, the IRS began working with local groups, tax advisors, and government agencies. They picked one day each year to focus on spreading the word.
Since then, the effort has grown. Now, more cities and states are joining in. They share facts, answer questions, and help people check if they qualify. Volunteers sometimes offer free help with filing. News stories and social media posts also help raise awareness.
The idea behind the day is simple—no one should miss out on money they’ve earned. Thanks to this national push, more workers now understand how the credit works.
More families are getting extra support when they need it most.
Share Helpful Info Online
Post quick facts about the credit on your favorite social platform. Add a link to the IRS EITC page. Use simple terms. People often miss out just because they don’t know what to look for. A few minutes of your time could lead someone to a much-needed refund.
Talk to Friends and Family
Start a chat with someone who works but earns less. Ask if they’ve filed taxes recently. Mention the credit without making it sound complicated. Keep the tone friendly. Many people learn about it through word of mouth, not websites.
Host a Quick Event
If you’re part of a group or community center, set up a short info session. Invite a tax expert or IRS volunteer. Hand out basic flyers. Focus on making the rules clear and not overwhelming. Even 15 minutes can make a big impact.
Check Your Own Eligibility
Many assume they don’t qualify and skip it. Review your tax details using a free online tool. Some sites let you check without logging in. If you do qualify, that extra money could help with bills or savings. Don’t leave it unclaimed.
Connect with Local Helpers
Call or visit a tax assistance group in your city. They often give free help during filing season. Bring a neighbor if they need guidance. These local teams are trained to walk folks through the process. Their support can be a game-changer.