How do tax credits help low-income families? David Beckmann explains.
Write to Congress. Here's how:
1. Include your name and address at the end of your letter and on the envelope, so your members of Congress know you're one of the people they represent.
2. Ask for specific action, using the sentence below or your own words:
- "I urge you to continue our current tax benefits for low-income families by making permanent the provisions in the Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit that are set to expire this year."
3. Give reasons why. Some examples:
- Share your personal story about what motivates you to write. Letters with personal stories are the most compelling and effective. Have you or someone you know been affected by these tax credits?
- If Congress fails to preserve the Child Tax Credit at its current level, a full-time working parent receiving the minimum wage will receive only a $320 credit instead of the current $1,800 credit.
- If these tax credits expire, 1.5 million people will fall below the poverty line, including 800,000 children. Find out how many people in your state would be affected.
4. Send your letter to Congress.
- Sen. ____________
U.S. Senate
Washington, DC 20510 - Rep. ____________
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515
Sample Letter
Date ___________
Dear Rep. ___________ or Dear Sen. ____________,
I urge you to make permanent our current tax benefits for low-income families, parts of which will expire this year if Congress doesn't act. The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Child Tax Credit reward the efforts of low-income working families—especially those who are working full-time at the minimum wage.
Programs such as the EITC and the Child Tax Credit work! Millions of hard-working families have been lifted above the poverty line and been able to put food on their tables. These are relatively small programs that have a big impact on families struggling to make ends meet.
In the midst of important debates about which tax programs to change or renew, the needs of low-income families must not be lost. Please make permanent the current provisions in the EITC and the Child Tax Credit.
Sincerely,
Your Name
Your Address
Please note: Due to security procedures, your letter may take two to four weeks to get to Congress, but that’s okay. It will make an important difference for people who are hungry and poor.
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