the essential guide - Texas Council on Family Violence

<strong>Texas</strong> Advocacy GuideFor more comprehensive information about Crime Victims’ Compensation and victims of domestic violence andhow you can assist as an advocate, see Chapter 14 in <strong>the</strong> <strong>Texas</strong> Advocates’ Guide.TaxesVarious tax credits and protections are potentially available to survivors (and o<strong>the</strong>rs). Individuals mayreceive refunds for returns filed within three years of <strong>the</strong> due date. For more information about tax related information that may be beneficial to survivors visithttp://raisetexas.org/.Earned Income Tax CreditA tax credit available to lower-income, working individuals who meet income <strong>guide</strong>lines and additionaleligibility requirements. The credit is available to individuals without children, but <strong>the</strong> credit increaseswith <strong>the</strong> number of eligible children. The Earned Income Tax Credit can mean thousands of dollarsrefunded to a family.Child Tax CreditA tax credit that may be up to $1000 per qualifying dependent child, subject to income and o<strong>the</strong>religibility requirements. The Additional Child Tax Credit may also be available, depending on eligibility.Child and Dependent Care CreditA credit available to people who, in order to work or to look for work, have to pay for child care servicesfor qualifying dependents under age 13. The credit is also available for those who pay for <strong>the</strong> care of aspouse or a dependent of any age who lived with <strong>the</strong>m for more than half <strong>the</strong> year and is physically ormentally incapable of self-care. The credit is a percentage, based on adjusted gross income, of <strong>the</strong>expenses paid for child and dependent care.Innocent Spouse ReliefRelief from tax liability, penalties and interest available to spouses who signed joint returns and are nowbeing held responsible for taxes or income of which <strong>the</strong>y were unaware. Free tax help is available online through <strong>the</strong> IRS website at www.irs.gov or by calling 1-800-829-1040. The <strong>Texas</strong> Taxpayer Assistance Project may also be able to answer questions at 1-888-988-9996. For additional information on <strong>the</strong>se and o<strong>the</strong>r tax resources for survivors, go to www.tcfv.org.THE ESSENTIAL GUIDE: AN INTRODUCTION TO ADVOCATING FOR SURVIVORS OF FAMILY VIOLENCE40 | P a g e