It’s time to expand the earned income tax credit

THANK YOU for highlighting the free tax preparation services for low-wage taxpayers provided at the Boston Medical Center (“Physical and fiscal fitness,” Metro, March 13). Cristela Guerra’s report insightfully notes the connection between health and financial stability. As she notes, not everyone is aware of the earned income tax credit, the largest federal anti-poverty program in place today. This credit can mean up to $6,318 for some families. In our legal work at Healthy Families EITC Coalition with low-wage workers, we have seen the enormous difference this amount of tax savings can make. It can prevent eviction, replace a broken-down car, and even be used as part of a down payment toward a new home.

Click here to read the op-ed.