The Earned Income Tax Credit, or EITC, can make life a little easier for workers struggling to make ends meet in today's tight economy--- up to $5,750, or more, easier.  Yet, the IRS estimates one in four eligible taxpayers could miss out on this valuable tax credit because they don't check it out.

EITC Awareness Day is Saturday, January 28, 2011 and the United Way of Marion County encourages anyone who earned $50,000 or less from wages, self-employment or farming in 2011 to see if they qualify.  Eligible taxpayers can get their EITC only if they file federal income tax returns--- even if they are not otherwise required to file-- and specifically claim the credit.

Services available Saturday include: United Way's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance walk-in appointments, local banks will be on hand to answer questions about banking, ACCESS will be available for those who need to sign up for food stamps at the United Way located at 1401 NE 2nd St, in Ocala.

Taxpayers can get free help determining their EITC eligibility and claiming the credit at United Way. Help is available from IRS trained volunteers through April 17.

For more information, call United Way at 732-9696.