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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Jesse White
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House passes White bill on Earned Income Tax Credit notification
HARRISBURG, June 22 – State Rep. Jesse White, D-Washington/Allegheny/Beaver, today said he's optimistic the Senate will act positively on his bill that passed the House last week which would ensure notification of employees that they may be qualified for a Federal Earned Income Tax Credit.
White's proposal, which passed the House 122-74, would require that employers notify all employees of their potential qualification within one week of providing their annual wage summary, the W-2 or Form 1099, in January.
The EITC is aimed at low- and moderate-income working individuals and families. If what the worker pays in Social Security and income taxes is greater than the amount of the credit, they may be eligible for a tax refund of the difference.
The notification would include information about obtaining forms and additional details and contact numbers and addresses for the employee to further pursue the credit.
White said that in 2008 alone, Pennsylvanians failed to apply for $271 million in EITC money for which they were eligible.
"My bill would make sure that every worker is aware of the EITC program and has the ability to easily access the application process," said White. "Currently, there is no such assurance. In these tough economic times, it is important that working families are aware of every option to stretch their wages to meet their needs."
Now in the Senate, the bill has been referred to the Finance Committee for further consideration.