Question

The earned income tax credit is _____. a) a form of welfare b) a refund check paid to the working poor by the Internal Revenue Service c) a very minor form of government aid to the poor d) opposed by both liberals and conservatives

Short answer

The earned income tax credit is a refund check paid to the working poor by the Internal Revenue Service.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the Question

Read the question carefully. The goal is to identify the correct definition of the earned income tax credit, among the provided options.

Analyze the Options

Let's look at each option and analyze them based on our understanding of the earned income tax credit. a) A form of welfare: Welfare typically refers to a range of government programs that provide financial or other aid to individuals or groups who cannot support themselves. This option implies that the earned income tax credit is a type of welfare program. b) A refund check paid to the working poor by the Internal Revenue Service: This option suggests that the earned income tax credit is a refund given to those who are working but still fall within a low-income category. This refund is sent by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). c) A very minor form of government aid to the poor: This option implies that the earned income tax credit is a small-scale government assistance program aimed at helping people with low income. d) Opposed by both liberals and conservatives: This option indicates that the earned income tax credit is not supported by either liberal or conservative political groups.

Determine the Correct Answer

After analyzing each option, the correct answer is (b) a refund check paid to the working poor by the Internal Revenue Service. The earned income tax credit is a tax credit that helps low- to moderate-income working individuals and families. Those who are eligible and claim the credit end up paying less in taxes, having no taxes to pay, or may even receive a tax refund. The goal of this tax credit is to improve the financial situation of low-income working families and encourage more people to enter the workforce.

Key concepts

Government Assistance Programs

Government assistance programs are initiatives led by the government to help individuals and families who need financial aid. These programs aim to ensure that everyone has access to basic needs, such as food, housing, healthcare, and education. They are crucial for maintaining a minimum living standard and reducing poverty levels.

While some government assistance programs may provide direct monetary aid, others might offer indirect support, such as reduced costs or special benefits. These programs are designed to help vulnerable populations, like low-income families, senior citizens, or people with disabilities.

• Food stamps and housing subsidies are examples of direct government assistance.
• Education grants and tax credits are examples of indirect aid.

The earned income tax credit (EITC) is one such program. Instead of giving cash, it reduces the tax burden on working individuals and families, putting more money back in their pockets.

Tax Credits

Tax credits are incentives given by the government to reduce the amount of tax you owe. They are a powerful tool in financial planning because they directly lower the tax bill, unlike tax deductions, which only reduce taxable income.

There are different types of tax credits aimed at benefiting various groups of people. Some are universal, while others target specific needs or demographics, such as families with children, students, or low-income workers.

• The child tax credit helps families by reducing tax obligations.
• The education tax credit offers relief to students and their families.
• The earned income tax credit supports low- to moderate-income workers.

For individuals and families who qualify for the EITC, the benefit can be substantial. It can mean paying less in taxes or even receiving a refund, which is especially meaningful for low and moderate-income workers.

Working Poor

The term "working poor" refers to individuals who are employed but whose earnings are not high enough to lift them out of poverty. This group includes many who work full-time but still struggle to meet basic living costs. They might not qualify for certain types of public assistance because they are employed, yet their income may still be inadequate.

Several factors contribute to being part of the working poor, such as low wage growth, lack of job opportunities, or insufficient education or skills. Government programs like the earned income tax credit aim to help this demographic by providing financial relief.

• The EITC is specifically designed to benefit people in this group by reducing their overall tax burden.
• It encourages increased workforce participation by making low-wage jobs more financially viable.

Thus, government assistance through tax credits like the EITC serves as an essential support system for the working poor, helping them manage financial challenges while promoting continued employment.