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Celebrate Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Awareness Day with UWP! 

January 27th is EITC Awareness Day and a day to bring more awareness to the help the Earned Income Tax Credit brings to thousands of Pennsylvanians. 

The EITC is a common sense tax break that helps lower-income workers keep more of what they earn to put food on the table, cover rent, and have a shot at a brighter future.  The EITC is a refundable tax credit that is structured to encourage and reward work, helping to offset federal payroll and income taxes. The amount of EITC depends on a worker's income, marital status, and number of children. The refundable Child Tax Credit (CTC) is similarly designed to incentivize work and helps parents offset the cost of raising children. Together, the EITC and CTC are among our nation's most effective pro-work, anti-poverty tools. Because workers spend their tax refunds at local businesses at home, the EITC pump money into communities all around Pennsylvania, supporting the local economy.  In 2016, over 900,000 Pennsylvanians claimed the EITC and over $2 billion dollars went back into the PA economy.  

United Ways across the country are advocating to expand the EITC to those being taxed into poverty. Currently low-income working Americans not raising children at home are eligible for little to no EITC. Young people age 21-24 are entirely blocked from the pro-work, anti-poverty tool. The effect of this exclusion is that millions of Americans are taxed into poverty every year because the EITC cannot offset payroll and income taxes. United Ways want to change this! Expanding the EITC to include these workers would allow for  554,000 Pennsylvanians to become newly eligible for the EITC or receive a larger EITC including:
  • 30,000 veterans and service members
  • 166,000 workers age 21-24 who would be newly eligible
  • 61,000 rural workers. 
You can help us advocate on behalf of these Pennsylvanians by taking action here! 
Meet Azhar: He Used the EITC to Help His Family and Pay Student Loans 

The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) helps thousands of Pennsylvanians, just like Azhar, keep more of what they earn to pay for things like reliable transportation to get to work, housing, and food.  With the help of the EITC, Azhar will be able to pay off student loans, buy needed household items, and have more money to continue his education.   The EITC helps hardworking Americans make ends meet.  


PA United Ways in the News 

PA's 211 Service Can Be a Lifeline, If Those in Need Know it Exists

 
UPCOMING UNITED WAY 
EVENTS
UWP 2018 Board Meetings 
March 14
June 20
September 19
December 12

UWP PA 2-1-1 Day Press Conference
February 5, 2018

UWP Legislative Hill Day 
April 17, 2018

UWP Alexis de Tocqueville Reception
May 22, 2018 

UWP Annual Statewide Conference 
June 20-22, 2018 

Check Out What Your Local United Way has Going On
LIVING UNITED IN PENNSYLVANIA
United Way of Pennsylvania (UWP) is a state association representing our 48 member United Ways and United Funds across the Commonwealth. 

UWP's mission is to assist and champion the efforts of local United Ways in advancing the common good. 

Primarily UWP's work consists of government relations work on the policy issues affecting PA's communities in the areas of health, education, and financial stability.  In addition, UWP works with our local United Way members to support their efforts and offer support to their mission.  

Visit United Way of Pennsylvania's website
to learn more about how local United Ways are working to advance the common good. 

For any inquiries please contact us. 
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