Eligible members who took advantage of the union’s free tax preparation service received refunds and credits totaling $1.4 million through the federal Earned Income Tax Credit program. They also saved an estimated $50,000 in preparation charges and electronic filing fees.

“I am pleased that DC 37 is able to provide a service that puts money directly into the pockets of members,” said DC 37 Executive Director Lillian Roberts.

Those eligible for the EITC are working families with more than one child earning less than $34,178 annually, families with one child earning less than $30,201 annually and individuals between 24 and 65 making less than $11,060.

DC 37 provided this service to 488 members, 385 of whom came to union headquarters for the free tax preparation assistance program. The DC 37 site had an average refund of $2,937, the highest among similar operations. For next year, DC 37 hopes to provide more conveniently located sites throughout the city to assist income-eligible members with no-cost tax preparation.

In addition to the diligent outreach efforts by Locals 1505, 372, 1549, 983, 1321 and 1930 to encourage members to take advantage of the service, the Community Food Resource Center also worked closely with the union by providing training for the tax preparers.

The DC 37 program grew out of a previous effort initiated for members of her local by Veronica Montgomery-Costa, president of DC 37 and of Dept. of Education Employees Local 372.