EITC Participation and Association With Financial Distress Among Rural Low-Income Families

This study examined Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) participation among rural, low-income families, by income level, and investigated whether nonparticipation corresponds with increased financial distress. Rates of EITC participation among 314 rural low-income mothers were lower than national averag...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Family relations 2010-10, Vol.59 (4), p.369-382
Main Authors: Gudmunson, Clinton G., Son, Seohee, Lee, Jaerim, Bauer, Jean W.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
American Recovery & Reinvestment Act 2009-US
Children
Cohabitation
Credit
Dependents
Earned income
Earned income tax credit
Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
Earnings
Economic hardship
economic loss
Economic losses
Family
FAMILY ADAPTATION TO FINANCIAL DISTRESS
Family Income
Family Size
financial distress
financial pressure
Financial Problems
Income
Income distribution
income inadequacy
Income level
Income taxes
Low income
Low income families
Low Income Groups
Mothers
Outreach Programs
Participation
Payroll taxes
Poverty
Psychological Distress
Rural Areas
rural families
Social research
Tax Credits
Tax returns
Tax services
Taxes
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Summary:This study examined Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) participation among rural, low-income families, by income level, and investigated whether nonparticipation corresponds with increased financial distress. Rates of EITC participation among 314 rural low-income mothers were lower than national averages, especially among the lowest earners. There was, however, an increase from one year to the next, perhaps because of study involvement. Eligible families that did not participate in the EITC experienced greater income inadequacy and economic loss. Professionals who work with families in rural areas may increase EITC participation through outreach to the lowest earning families by emphasizing the need to file tax returns, discussing the potential size of the benefit, and helping families gain access to free tax preparation services.
ISSN:0197-6664
1741-3729
0197-6664
DOI:10.1111/j.1741-3729.2010.00609.x