Cash Back
An Effective Practice
Description
The Cash Back program is an anti-poverty initiative implemented by the Citizens Committee for New York City to help low-income residents take advantage of tax credits. Cash Back helps New York City residents become aware of tax benefits, which usually go unclaimed because either filers are unaware, or they are unfamiliar with the filing process. The program offers free tax preparation to all first time filers and low-income New Yorkers in every borough – including immigrants – to help them file and take advantage of federal, state, and local tax credits, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit and the Child Tax Credit. In addition, the Cash Back program links residents to local resources where they can sign up for additional benefits, including food stamps and free or low-cost health insurance. Assistance is available at multiple sites across New York City and in multiple languages.
Goal / Mission
The Cash Back initiative aims to help low-income residents take advantage of tax credits by offering free tax preparation services.
Results / Accomplishments
Since 2006, the Cash Back initiative has helped 13,000 low-income New Yorkers receive over $12 million in tax refunds.
About this Promising Practice
Organization(s)
Citizens Committee for New York City
Primary Contact
Pinky Vincent, Director of External Affairs
Citizens Committee for New York City
767 Fifth Avenue, 26th floor
New York, NY 10153
(212) 822-9578
pvincent@citizensnyc.org
http://www.citizensnyc.org/
Citizens Committee for New York City
767 Fifth Avenue, 26th floor
New York, NY 10153
(212) 822-9578
pvincent@citizensnyc.org
http://www.citizensnyc.org/
Topics
Economy / Income
Economy / Poverty
Economy / Poverty
Organization(s)
Citizens Committee for New York City
Date of implementation
2004
Geographic Type
Urban
Location
New York
Target Audience
Adults, Families