Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan has joined with a coalition of community partner agencies to announce the 2023 tax credit campaign to enable residents to access millions in federal tax credits. Duggan also outlined that the city’s new plan provides residents the opportunity to schedule appointments for no-cost expert tax preparation.
Ford School Luke Shaefer, associate dean for research and policy engagement and director of Poverty Solutions, has partnered with the mayor and the Accounting Aid Society, United Way for Southeastern Michigan, Wayne Metropolitan Community Action Agency, and Community Development Advocates of Detroit, in the effort.
Duggan and the coalition last year enabled Detroiters to claim more than $260 million in Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and millions more in Child Tax Credits. This year, the work of the coalition has meant that all residents with income less than $60,000 qualify for a free expert tax preparation appointment where residents can understand and take advantage of the federal tax credits at their disposal. As of January 26, residents can call 2-1-1- or visit getthetaxfacts.org to learn more and schedule an appointment.
The eligibility requirements for the EITC are that the amount of the refund depends on income, filing status, and number of qualifying children claimed on tax returns. For example, a single individual with no children who works and makes less than $16,480 could get back as much as $594. Meanwhile, the eligibility requirements for the Child Tax Credit include having children under age 17 living at home and the household having earned at least $2,500 from working in 2022.
"This is an important time of year for households who are working hard to make ends meet," Shaefer said at the announcement. "Tax refunds help families pay down debt, invest in car repairs, and all the other things they need. We all benefit when families can access these resources."
Articles about the campaign launch:
Detroiters can get free help claiming 2023 tax credits, Bridge Detroit, January 26, 2023
Duggan, coalition outline efforts to help Detroiters claim millions in tax credits, The Detroit News, January 26, 2023
Mayor Duggan Launches 2023 Tax Credit Campaign, Michigan Chronicle, January 30, 2023
