Winston-Salem, NC — Forsyth Free Tax, a program of Experiment in Self-Reliance, will host an EITC Awareness Day Celebration on Friday, January 26 from 11:30-1:30 pm.

January 26 marks the 12th anniversary of EITC Awareness Day, a nationwide effort to increase awareness about the EITC (Earned Income Tax Credit) and other refundable credits. This year, IRS is promoting EITC and providing information on other refundable tax credits that you may be eligible for. This includes the American Opportunity Tax Credit, the Child Tax Credit and Additional Child Tax Credit.

For the last 40 years, the EITC made life better for millions of workers. For residents who qualify and claim the credit, it could be as much as $6,242 from the IRS for some workers. The IRS estimates only four out of five workers claim the EITC they earned. This leaves billions of dollars on the table each year. We want to get the word out to those who are eligible to file a tax return even if they don’t owe any tax to claim the EITC. Its money workers can use for groceries, rent, utilities and other bills.

Forsyth Free Tax’s EITC Awareness Day will begin with a lunch and program that highlights the importance of the EITC in lifting residents out of poverty in Winston-Salem/Forsyth County. IRS certified volunteers will be available to prepare taxes for those who meet the income guidelines and wish to complete early, but will not officially be filed until January 29. Nine tax sites will open throughout Forsyth County during the week of January 29 and remain open with varying hours throughout tax season. Locations for free tax return preparation can be found at www.forsythfreetax.org.

To sign up to participate in EITC Awareness Day, email Shirley Abdullah at Shirley.abdullah@eisr.org or call 336-714-9205 by January 23. To learn more about Forsyth Free Tax or the Earned Income Tax Credit, visit www.forsythfreetax.org or call 336-722-9400.