The EITC returns federal, state, and City tax dollars to qualifying families and individuals to help cover basic expenses. Working families earning less than $35,000 a year could be eligible for as much as $6,000.

In order to claim the EITC, eligible taxpayers must have earned income and must file a tax return. New York City's EITC Coalition can help qualifying New Yorkers file at free tax preparation sites Citywide.