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.