By Staff
LANSING - In 2003, $214 million went unclaimed by many deserving Michigan residents. State Rep. Neal Nitz has announced a statewide campaign of townhall meetings, public service announcements and community events to connect Michigan's struggling families with unclaimed federal tax credits.
Nitz will attend three events in both Cass and Berrien counties over the next few weeks.
The Berrien County Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Coalition will provide a free event for residents to file their taxes at the Ferry Street Resource Center on Sunday, April 2, 620 Ferry St. in Niles at 1 p.m. Nitz will also attend a Cass County EITC Coalition event on Saturday, March 18 at Michigan Works, 601-D Front St., in Dowagiac at 9 a.m.
Nitz believes this public awareness campaign will help people realize they are eligible for this money.
Nearly 200,000 eligible Michigan residents - more than one-third - did not collect the federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). The House GOP has teamed up with the EITC Statewide Coalition, which has set up regional offices in many counties of the state to prepare taxes for Michigan residents. 
Low-income residents could receive up to $4,400 in tax credit refunds by filing for the EITC. Eligibility is determined by the income earned by the taxpayer as well as their number of dependents. For example, workers who earned $31,030 or less in 2005 and have one child can receive a credit up to $2,662.
The campaign to promote awareness for the EITC will continue through the 2006 tax season as legislators work with the coalition to help people receive the tax credits. More information and a comprehensive list of participating regional offices is available at www.gophouse.com/claimyourcash.htm. 
In addition, Nitz is continuing to deliver Michigan tax guides to libraries throughout the 78th District. Residents can call his Lansing office toll free at 1-888-373-0078 if they would like to receive a copy by mail.