Letter: The Feds May Owe You Cash

Editor,

If the federal government owed you money, wouldn't you want to know about it?

In Los Angeles County, more than 250,000 people who are eligible for a federal tax refund called the "Earned Income Tax Credit" (EITC) do not claim it. The average refund is $1,400, and can be as high as $5,666.

That translates to more than $370 million that could help struggling families make ends meet, and provide a boost to our sluggish economy in Los Angeles. Statewide, that figure rises to $1.2 billion in unclaimed dollars and lost economic activity.

With the help of community organizations, my office is spreading the word around the San Fernando Valley about the credit. My goal is to double the number of people in the Valley who claim the credit. To be eligible, you must earn less than $49,000 for those with several dependents, and less than $13,460 if you have no dependents -- and you need to file a federal tax return in order to get the refund. Won't you join my effort to tell people about the EITC by forwarding this e-mail to your friends and family members who may qualify for it?

Let's get those millions of unclaimed dollars returned to our community. For more information, click here.

Bob Blumenfield
Assemblymember, 40th District

p.s. There are 81 volunteer centers in LA County set up to help people file the right paperwork to get the tax credit -- click here and then click on Los Angeles to find a nearby location.