C.H.A.N.G.E. Inc. reminds those filing taxes that the Earned Income Tax Credit is available.

“EITC is a tax benefit for working people and their families and it allows more dollars to flow into our community,” Chief Executive Officer Judy Raveaux said. “It’s money workers can use for groceries, rent, utilities and other bills. We want workers who may qualify for EITC to have all the information they need to get the EITC and get it right.”

Last year, the credit returned more than $357 million dollars to more than 155,000 workers in West Virginia.

The amount of EITC varies by income, family size and filing status. It can mean up to $506 in EITC for people without a qualifying child, and up to $6,269 for those with three or more qualifying children. The average EITC amount last year was $2,400.

Those who qualify for EITC, must file a tax return, even if they have no tax to pay, to claim the credit. Those filing must work for someone or run their own business or farm to qualify for EITC to qualify with the exception of some who receive certain disability income.

Those who make less than $53,505 can get free tax help and return preparation through volunteer income tax assistance sites. IRS-certified volunteers ask the needed questions to find out if those filing qualify for the EITC and other refundable credits. They also prepare and electronically file returns at no cost. Find a location for free tax return preparation wveitc.com/eitc–vitasite.html or locate a volunteer site by calling 2-1-1.

Those making an appointment, should bring the following to make sure volunteers obtain the amount of tax credits earned:

• A valid driver’s license or other photo identification card.

• Social Security cards and a Social Security number verification letter for all persons listed on the return.

• Birth dates for all persons listed on return.

• All income statements, including Forms W-2 and 1099, Social Security, unemployment and other statements, such as pensions, stocks, interest and any documents showing taxes withheld. Those who run a business or farm should have records of all income earned.

• All records of expenses, such as tuition, mortgage interest or real estate taxes. Those who run a business or farm should have records of all related expenses.

• Copies of last year’s state and federal tax returns, if available.

• Bank routing numbers and account numbers to direct deposit any refund.

• Dependent child care information, including name and address of a paid caretaker and either the caretaker’s Social Security number or other tax identification number.

• Both spouses must sign forms to e-file a joint tax return.

For information about the VITA sites or C.H.A.N.G.E. Inc.’s programs and services, call (304) 797-7733 or visit changeinc.org.