The City of Phoenix. Human Services Department. Communit

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The City of Phoenix

• Human Services Department

Community Initiatives Section
2003-2004 EITC Campaign
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2003-2004 EITC Campaign

• Earned Income Tax Credit

• Largest Federal Tax Benefit Program

• Work Incentive vs. Public Assistance

• 32 Billion Dollars in Tax Refunds

Lifted nearly 5 Million out of Poverty!!
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2003-2004 EITC Campaign

• Who Can Receive E.I.T.C.??

• For 2003, the maximum family income will be
  34,692 and the maximum credit _at_ 4,204

• Eligibility for the credit and the size of the
  credit is determined by a familys income and
  number of dependents.

• Single persons with very low incomes also qualify
  for a small EITC.

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2003-2004 EITC Campaign

• E.I.T.C. CHALLENGES

• Lack of awareness of the program

• Transaction costs

• Predatory Practices.

• High Commercial Fees

• Rapid-Refund Loans

• Check-Cashing Operations

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• Impact of EITC in Phoenix

• 35,000 Workers are NOT Receiving the Financial
  Boost

• 25 to 64 Million Dollars of Unclaimed E.I.T.C.

PHOENIX IS MISSING THIS ECONOMIC BOOST!!
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• How People Use Their EITC

• Pay Bills
• Make Significant Purchases

• Homes
• Auto

• Education Training

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Intensive Research on Cities Nationwide

• Chicago

• Baltimore

• Des Moines

• Denver

• Indianapolis

• Kansas City

• Tempe

• Louisville

• Tulsa

• Oklahoma City

• San Antonio

• Miami

• Houston

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The Proposed EITC Campaign

• Public Awareness

• Asset Building Education

• Targeted Communities

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Public Awareness

• Media Alerts
• Schools
• Utility Companies
• Employers
• Churches
• Public Forums

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Asset Building Education

• Financial Literacy Training
• Individual Development Accounts

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Maryvale
Targeted Communities
South Phoenix
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85031
85037
85033
85035
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85031
85037
85033
85035
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85009
85007
85041
85040
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85009
85007
85041
85040
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2003-2004 EITC Campaign
GOALS.
1. Increase Public Awareness
2. Increase Utilization
3. Reduce Transaction Costs
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WORKING POOR
Who Benefits?
Businesses
Employers
E.I.T.C.
Local State Govt.
Banks
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2003-2004 EITC Campaign
E.I.T.C.
Everybody Wins!
For more information, contact Wayne Tormala
602-495-7044 or Trang Blanco 602-534-6232