Tax filing season starts Monday.
On Friday, officials and local partners highlighted the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and free tax preparation for lower-income residents.
The EITC is a refundable tax credit for income-eligible households. Officials gathered at Lakeforest Mall in the Equity Center, which is a program of Cross Community Church in Gaithersburg.
According to the county, those who earned less than $60,000 in 2022 may qualify for the federal, Maryland, and county EITC. The maximum federal credit is $6,935.
Speakers emphasized the EITC as a “unique poverty-fighting tool.” They said Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) is available free of charge for income-eligible Montgomery County residents.
There are about 20 in-person VITA sites in Montgomery County. Residents can see how to make a free tax appointment through the program here.
