Give Your Employees a Raise…for Free!
In 1975, the federal government created the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) to put money back into the hands of hardworking families. Since its inception, the program has lifted more children out of poverty than any other federal aid program.
The Prosperity Campaign of Central Florida is a community outreach program that helps Central Florida families claim the tax credit they deserve.
Millions of dollars are waiting to be put into the hands of eligible, hardworking families in our community. In 2007 alone, Central Floridians received over $395 million in EITC refunds.
Help us communicate this important refund opportunity to your employees. They may qualify to receive up to $5,657 cash back to help pay off debt, buy a home, or save for the future.
Why talk about about taxes now?
Because people in great need often file early - and at great expense - through commercial tax preparation services that charge exorbitant fees. United Way wants to spread the word that FREE HELP is available. By filing returns at local VITA tax preparation sites, people receive 100% of their refund, typically within 10 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do eligible individuals claim the EITC?
Those who are eligible claim the EITC when they complete their annual federal income tax return.
What does the Prosperity Campaign of Central Florida do?
With hundreds of thousands of Central Floridians eligible to receive refunds, the economic impact of the EITC on individual lives and on our community is tremendous. Because of the many ways the EITC can benefit our community, the Prosperity Campaign of Central Florida actively promotes the EITC throughout our region.
Why should my company participate?
Your participation is essential to the success of the program. According to the Internal Revenue Service, up to 25% of eligible taxpayers do not claim the credit they deserve. In Central Florida, this translates into millions of unclaimed dollars each year. The primary reason for unclaimed EITC refunds has been lack of awareness among employers and employees.
Plus, the EITC offers a significant additional benefit to your employees while also strengthening the local economy. It is a way to effectively give employees a raise at no cost to your organization. The $395 million dollars in EITC refunds that Central Floridians receive each year stays in our community and bolsters our economy.
How can my company participate?
We can help you communicate this important refund opportunity to your employees in a variety of FREE ways:
- Include “Statement Stuffers” in Payroll and W-2 Mailings
Or include them in any staff or client communication in November through March. Stuffers fit neatly in a regular business-size envelope and promote the EITC and free tax preparation sites (in both English and Spanish). You can also include an electronic version in a mass email to your employees or clients.
- Attend a Free Information Session
Management, supervisory, and/or human resources representatives can join us for an informational presentation to learn more about the EITC in order to share this valuable information with employees and/or clients. All sessions are held at Heart of Florida United Way and include a complimentary continental breakfast. Click here to view upcoming dates and schedule a session.
- Host a Presentation
If you are unable to attend a scheduled information session, we will gladly make a presentation at your place of business – this could be a presentation to management-level staff or to potentially eligible employees. We can also join a staff meeting or any regularly scheduled meeting and make a brief presentation.
- Distribute Prosperity Campaign Materials
We have many outreach materials that would be appropriate to share with your employees. To preview materials, click below:
Statement Stuffers, Posters, and Brochures
- Publish an Article
If you have a employee or client newsletter, include an EITC article during tax season. Click here to view sample articles.
- Link to the Prosperity Campaign from Your Own Website
Ask your IT department to create a link to the Prosperity Campaign on your business website. If you have an employee Intranet or webpage, you can link directly to the HFUW Prosperity Campaign website.
To receive materials, host a presentation or learn more, please contact Brittany Richards, Senior Manager of Community Investment, at (407) 429-2177 or e-mail Brittany.Richards@hfuw.org. |
