United Way of Greater Cincinnati’s efforts to support hardworking families by helping them determine whether they can claim the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is going online and mobile, thanks to a national partnership.

One Economy, the Real Economic Impact Tour, Walmart, and United Way are teaming up to give people access to file their own taxes online, either via home computer or a mobile sites available nationwide.

The service is free for anyone earning less than $58,000 per year and is particularly appropriate for first-time filers.

To file online, go to www.myfreetaxes.com/GCNK1.

Local organizations including Cincinnati State, Drake Hospital, and Gateway are also hosting mobile sites for their employees/students during March 10 – 20.

Last year, the EITC initiative prepared 15,815 tax returns, giving back more than $16.6 million to our community.

The Internal Revenue Service estimates that 20 to 25 percent of eligible taxpayers fail to claim the credit, which could put as much as $5,657 into the pockets of a family with three or more children, $5,028 for a family with two children, $3,043 for a family with one child, or up to $457 for a worker with no children. The Earned Income Tax Credit is the federal government’s largest program benefiting lower earning workers.

Those who don’t want to prepare their own taxes can still take advantage of the initiative by visiting one of more than 30 free tax prep sites in Hamilton, Butler and Clermont Counties and Northern Kentucky.

To learn if you’re eligible or to find opening dates and times for a site near you, please visit www.makeworkpay.com or call United Way 211 at 2-1-1.