It’s helping people find a new home and get out of debt
Claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit helps you manage the cost of groceries, utilities, rent, and everyday essentials. For some people, it’s making their lives better by getting them out of debt or into a home.
Michael, in East Hartford, has been living with his family in a motel. He plans to use the EITC to get them into a more permanent place to live. Christopher, in Naugatuck, said he is unhoused with his daughter and will use his refund to move into a home.
We’ve heard from many others that the EITC will change lives by letting them put a roof over their heads.
“It will get me a place to call home for me and my sons,” Z., in Newington, told us. “We [have] been homeless for [a] year, been looking, but they want five times the rent.”
Depending on your income and if you have dependents, you could be owed up to about $8,000. According to the IRS, the average Connecticut EITC filer got back $2,482 in the 2024 tax season.
If you qualify, the EITC is money you’ve worked hard for and the government owes you. But, you can’t get it unless you claim it. We’ve partnered with FreeTaxUSA, an IRS-certified service, so you can file for free to get what you’re owed.
For A., in New Britain, the EITC will help her catch up and not worry about being evicted.
“This money will take me out of being evicted or [having] my utilities cut off,” she told us.
Refunds can also help you be up-to-date on bills and eliminate debt so that interest doesn’t pile up and make it harder to pay off. For some people, the EITC gives them breathing room in their budget.
“I need to pay off a credit debt in order to get back on track with my child care expenses,” Kelley, in Bridgeport, said. “[Debt] keeps me paying my mortgage late and acquiring late fees.”
The EITC is being used to manage everyday costs and plan for the future. Don’t leave money that you’re owed on the table that can help you catch up or get ahead. Get started for free online today to claim your refund by April 15.