Posted on 03/28/2005 12:32:13 PM PST by Diana in Wisconsin
Wisconsin tells low-income taxpayers how to pay less
Associated Press March 26, 2006
MADISON, Wis. - Wisconsin has begun to tell some low-income residents not to pay so much in taxes and is encouraging them to collect some of the $50 million in credits that taxpayers fail to claim every year.
By having welfare recipients and others claim previously unclaimed credits, not only will more money get into the hands of families who need it, but the economy should get a boost, said Rose Lynch, a spokeswoman for Workforce Development.
"The credit will actually mean more money for local businesses and communities as these workers purchase food, clothing and other essentials," she said.
The departments of revenue and workforce development are targeting welfare recipients in Dane and Milwaukee counties in the program, sending eligible taxpayers a letter telling them how to apply and receive returns from prior years.
If it is successful, the program may be expanded to welfare recipients statewide and eventually to other aid programs for lower-income families.
Many participants in Wisconsin's welfare-to-work, or W-2, program are eligible for the federal Earned Income Tax Credit, the Wisconsin Earned Income Credit, Homestead Credit and federal and state child care credits, but fail to claim them.
Lynch said some people might be surprised the state wants to let people know how to pay less in tax.
"While some might look at this as less revenue for the state, all workers deserve to receive the credits to which they are entitled," she said.
Information from: The Capital Times, http://www.captimes.com
Our paper out here did the same thing. A long article about the EIC, and how people overlook it.
No advice for those of us who pay through the nose, of course...
WE NEED TABOR!!!! Taxpayer Bill of Rights!!
I love the comment "The economy will get a boost".
That is the most ridiculous rationale for giving these folks tax breaks than I have ever heard.
They're adopting a mexican style economic policy.
You meant "for giving those folks other people's money" didn't you?
"March 26, 2006?!?! Wow. FR is so high tech that we're getting AP stories from the FUTURE!"
LOL! And they'll still be left-leaning that far out. ;)
People who qualify for the federal Earned Income Tax Credit, the Wisconsin Earned Income Credit, Homestead Credit and federal and state child care credits know about these programs. You don't need to beat the bushes to tell them about getting free money.
They start coming in to apply for the credits January 2 and there after each and every year. Liberals much underestimate the intellect of the "poor."
You won't stimulate the economy by giving poor people money.
It's not sustainable like it is when you cut taxes from a business. The poor person will spend the wad, then it's gone. A business will invest and grow.
Why don't they just say "come get your free money" and be done with it? Why make up nonsense about economic growth?
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