AUSTIN, TX -- Sen. Eddie Lucio Jr. is encouraging all eligible South Texas taxpayers to file their Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) claims to benefit them, their families and our state's economy.

"Every year the federal EITC adds billion of dollars into the Texas economy, helping businesses and increasing the incomes of millions of Texas workers and their families," said Sen. Lucio. "Those who are entitled to this refund on their income taxes by the federal government should by all means sign up."

A family who earned less than $39,783 in 2007 may be eligible. Last year, more than 2 million families in Texas claimed the EITC and received a total of almost $4.7 billion in refunds. That is an average of $2,151 per household. Those who expect to qualify can also sign up for the EITC at work and receive part of the credit in each paycheck, instead of receiving a tax refund.

"I strongly encourage every family in Senatorial District 27 and throughout the state to inquire about and submit claims if eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit refund," added Sen. Lucio.

For more information, taxpayers can log onto the Comptroller's Web site at www.window.state.tx.us/taxinfo/eitc/, or call the IRS at (800) 829-1040. To apply online log onto http://www.irs.gov/efile/article/0,,id=118986,00.html.

For a list of the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance locations, log onto http://www.uwtexas.org/data/docs/Texas_Tax_Preparation_Sites.pdf

Some of our local Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) places to obtain assistance are the following:

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