SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 13

(By Senators Oliverio, Foster, Wells, Hunter, White, Kessler and Jenkins)


Designating January 31, 2008, as "Earned Income Tax Credit Awareness Day".

Whereas, It is estimated that between 15 percent and 25 percent of eligible taxpayers fail to claim the earned income tax credit (EITC); and
Whereas, Of those who do claim EITC, over 70 percent file their tax returns through a paid tax preparer and pay fees up to more than $2 billion annually; and
Whereas, In 2005, West Virginia received over $250 million in earned income tax credits; and
Whereas, In 2006, through the use of Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) free preparation sites, West Virginia families received over $6 million EITC and over $22 million in total refunds; and
Whereas, In West Virginia 21,545 free tax returns were completed at VITA sites in 2006; and
Whereas, West Virginia had the greatest increase in the nation for tax preparation sites; and
Whereas, West Virginia is the only state to provide statewide coverage and involvement of every county by way of seven regional EITC coalitions; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate:
That the Senate hereby designates January 31, 2008, as "Earned Income Tax Credit Awareness Day"; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Clerk is hereby directed to forward a copy of this resolution to representatives of Earned Income Tax Credit Awareness Day.