Mayor Nichols Proclaims Jan. 31 as “EITC Awareness Day” in City of Tulsa

1/31/2025

Mayor Monroe Nichols has proclaimed Jan. 31, 2025, as “EITC Awareness Day” in the city of Tulsa, joining the national annual EITC Awareness Day.

The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a tax break for working families who meet certain eligibility requirements based on earned income, number of children, and marital status. Those who qualify could use the tax credit to reduce the taxes they owe and potentially increase their refund.

While about 78 percent of eligible taxpayers receive the EITC, the rest do not claim the credit, according to the IRS. That is why the City of Tulsa, its Office of Financial Empowerment and Community Wealth, and both Financial Empowerment Center providers, Goodwill Industries of Tulsa and Tulsa Responds, are bringing awareness of this tax credit and the availability of free tax preparation help through their VITA programs.

"The Earned Income Tax Credit is more than a refund; it's a lifeline for working families,” said Marcela Swenson, Executive Director of Tulsa Responds. “We're proud that last year we helped Tulsans get back over $1.5 million in EITC credits without charging our clients a penny, and we hope to grow that number this year."

Both Financial Empowerment Centers in Tulsa offer one-on-one financial counseling for residents at no cost. Trained counselors provide services in multiple languages via bilingual counselors or Language Line to support Tulsans who speak multiple languages.

“Goodwill Tulsa is pleased to be serving Tulsans through the VITA program again this year, working with our volunteers and partners to make it easy for Tulsans to claim the tax benefits for which they’re eligible and file their taxes on time and correctly,” said Bob Stape, President and CEO of Goodwill Industries of Tulsa.

To learn more about the EITC, determine your eligibility, and make an appointment visit:
Goodwill Industries - https://www.goodwilltulsa.org/gwt/Free_Income_Tax_Preparation.asp
Tulsa Responds -https://www.tulsaresponds.org/taxes

To learn more about the City’s Office of Financial Empowerment & Community Wealth and the Financial Empowerment Centers, which offer free financial counseling to all Tulsans, visit www.cityoftulsa.org/OFE. Residents can make an appointment with an FEC counselor online.