Earned Income Tax Credit
Mainers receive income boosting credits that help workers, families, and retirees make ends meet — simply by filing income taxes every year. The Earned Income Tax Credit is one of these supports. Learn more about what it is, why it matters, and how to get it.
The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is for working people with low income and builds a stronger foundation for families by providing a few hundred dollars more in their annual tax refund.
People who work hard should be able to afford basics to make ends meet, but low-wage jobs often mean families struggle to keep up. The EITC is a proven tool to reduce poverty, give kids from families with low income a better shot at success later in life, and help people stay working, especially single parents with low wage jobs who, as primary caregivers, struggle with balancing schedules and affordable childcare.
The 130th Maine Legislature and governor doubled the state EITC — meaning more working people in rural, suburban, and urban communities can make ends meet.
Resources
By filing taxes, people and families with low income
can make sure they aren’t leaving money on the table.
- IRS: EITC Help and Assistance
- Pine Tree Legal Assistance: Are You Leaving Money on the Table?
A Guide to Maine Tax Credits and Benefits - CA$H Maine: Free Tax Prep
Reading
Learn more about the EITC and why it matters.
- MECEP Blog (May 2022): Earned Income Tax Credit expansion provides greater economic security for working families
- MECEP Blog (April 2022): The best of the budget for Maine’s economy
- MECEP Blog (March 2022): Making the most of Maine’s historic surplus
- MECEP Blog (August 2021): Story of the Session: the fight for tax fairness
- MECEP Blog (April 2021): EITC makes up to $7,459 available to low-income, working Mainers — but only if they file their taxes
- MECEP Blog (March 2021): Bill to strengthen EITC would boost incomes for 92,000 Maine families, improve Maine’s tax code
- Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (March 2020): States Can Adopt or Expand Earned Income Tax Credits to Build a Stronger Future Economy
- Beacon (September 2019): Tax reforms credited with ensuring Maine’s poorest no longer pay highest tax rate
- MECEP Blog (September 2019): Policy Brief: Maine reaches new milestone in tax fairness
- Portland Press Herald (June 2019): Letter to the editor: Earned Income Tax Credit expansion will give a boost to hardworking Mainers
- MECEP Blog (June 2019): Maine more than doubles its Earned Income Tax Credit, boosting incomes for the working poor
- Bangor Daily News (April 2019): Want to reduce poverty? Expand the Earned Income Tax Credit.
