Tax credits for working families.

• Position: TRENDS AND TRANSITIONS - Brief article

The long-standing federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) puts cash into the hands of working poor families, and that can benefit local and state economies. The federal program delivered $48.7 billion to low-income workers in 2008. And 22 states offer additional tax credits. But too few people take advantage of the credit.

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The amount a family can collect varies depending on income and the number of children. This year, families with one child and income less than $35,463 qualify for up to $3,043; families with two children and income less than $40,295 can receive up to $5,028. Even those without...