aepstein607 on Expand EITC

The Earned Income Tax Credit is the most effective tool in government for reducing poverty. Here's how it works: If you have a job, but it doesn't bring in a lot of income, the government allows you to get extra money in the form of a tax credit (refund check). The credit can work out to several thousand dollars, which is a huge amount for someone making minimum wage or raising children on $30,000 a year.