Thousands in Tax Refunds at Risk as April 15 Looms

DETROIT, Michigan, 9 April ​2025 – With the April 15 tax deadline coming quickly, ​a critical opportunity is to slip through the cracks ​for thousands of ​Michigan families – the Tax Credit for Unpaid Income (EITC). ​Although one of the most shocking tools against poverty in the U.S. tax code, many eligible taxpayers do not claim it, leaving hundreds or even thousands of dollars behind ​in unclaimed repayments.

According to data from the IRS and ​Michigan officials, the EITC ​can provide ​up to $7,830 to eligible taxpayers in fiscal year 2024, plus 30% of the state of Michigan for eligible residents. But this is the kicker: do not automatically receive it. You must submit your ​income tax return ​and meet the eligibility ​criteria ​- a ​task that many people are skipping.

Why ​so many ​Michiganders? You disappeared?

According to ​IRS and Outlier Media, nearly 740,000 Michigan residents are ​eligible for ​this extended credit. However, 20% of eligible individuals do not apply for ​federal credit – and if they do not, they also lose the government side. Tens of millions of dollars remain on the table.

One reason is ​confusion. The U.S. tax system is notoriously complex, ​and many low- to moderate-income households ​do not ​realize ​that they are ​eligible or struggling to navigate the presentation process. As Outlier Media said, “Low-income Detroiters can earn hundreds ​or ​even thousands of dollars in tax credits, but ​only if they request ​them.”

What is the EITC and who can claim ​it?

The earned income tax credit is a refundable ​tax credit ​for low- and moderate-income workers. Unlike deductions, which reduce your taxable income, the EITC can increase your tax ​refund even if ​you do not have to tax at all.

To qualify in 2024:

• You must have earned income ​(from work or self-employment).
• Your investment income must be under $11,600.
• You, your spouse, and ​your qualifying children must ​have valid Social Security numbers.
• Your filing status cannot be “Married ​Filing Separately.”
• For workers without children, you must be between ages 25–65 and not ​be claimed as a ​dependent.

How much did you get?

Their reimbursement depends on their income, status and number of children. The maximum federal ​EITC amounts for 2024 ​are as follows:

• No children: $600
• 1 child: $4,213
• 2 children: $6,960
• 3 or more children: $7,830

Michigan residents can take care of another 30%. ​Thus, a family ​with three children in Detroit could reach $10,179 ​- but only if they drop off properly.

You risk losing the line?

The deadline for submitting their federal return – and to apply for the EITC – is April 15, 2025. This date ​also marks the last opportunity to apply for the EITC for fiscal year 2021. The extensions are available through the presentation of Form 4868, giving the archives until October 15. But ​this only prolongs the time to produce, not to pay.

Taxpayers can verify their repayment status using the “Where is my refund? on the IRS website, available ​within ​24 hours of electronic filling or within four weeks of shipping the paper.

Is the help ​available for filling?

Yes. The IRS provides free assistance through voluntary tax assistance (VITA) and tax ​advice to the elderly (TCE). According to IRS data, these services are available in Detroit, especially for those who earn less than $64,000 or are 60 years of age or older.

In addition, the EITC Assistant ​tool on the IRS website helps taxpayers verify their eligibility ​without sharing personal financial information.

Q Pulp: ​A: What ​Detroit ResIDs Ask

Can I claim ​the EITC if I didn’t earn much last year?

Yes. ​As ​long as you have earned income rating and ​meet income limits, even modest earnings may qualify for the partial credit.

Is it too late to file for previous years?

That’s ​not true. You have up to three years to file retroactively. For example, on April 15, ​2025, this is your last chance to file a declaration and apply for the EITC ​by 2021.

What if I make a ​mistake ​on my return?

The IRS can deny your claim. If the error is significant, ​you may be excluded from the EITC application for up to 10 years. Check your return or consult a tax officer if necessary.

Do I need to have children to qualify?

No. Workers without children may still receive EITC, although the ​amount is lower. However, he must be ​between 25 and 65 years of age.

More than ​taxes: What’s ​happening ​in Detroit

This financial season is not the only financial stress the Detroiters ​face. According to Outlier Media and BridgeDetroit reports:

• Water shut-offs may resume as funding for the ​city’s ​Lifeline Plan has dried up. Although 8,136 households remain in the program, many others were moved to ​payment plans ​and now risk disconnection if they don’t stay current.
• Health insurance premiums may climb sharply. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Priority Health ​are seeking double-digit rate increases, citing rising drug and service costs.
• School lunch access is in jeopardy for nearly 600,000 children. A new GOP proposal would raise the threshold for free meals at public schools, putting low-income students at risk of losing essential nutrition support.

Taken together, these pressures make every dollar available – like the IETC – more important than ever for working families.

The biggest image: 50 years of EITC

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the earned income tax credit, introduced under ​the 1975 Tax Reduction Act ​under the chairmanship ​of Gerald Ford. At that time, the maximum ​credit ​was only $400. Today, it has become a vital safety net, giving more than $64 billion a year ​to approximately 23 ​million workers and families, as the IRS indicated in December 2024.

Over the decades, the EITC has ​expanded its scope and size, as ​well as its impact. Studies show that poverty is reduced, especially for children, and that the employment rates of low-wage workers are increasing. It is more than a budget break, it is a catalyst for financial stability.

Final reflections: Don’t leave ​the money behind

For many Michiganders, unclaimed tax credits such as the EITC mean lost opportunities ​to pay ​bills, put food on the table, or start a savings cushion. Of ​this letter, less than a week ago to present your return. Don’t let the complexity of ​the process scare ​you – there are resources ​to help you present for free, check your eligibility and get what is right.

“This is the money you earned. All you have to do is ask and present it in time,” said IRS spokesman Deirdre Powell.

Take a moment. Check your ​eligibility. Gather your documents. Ask for ​your refund. And ​don’t let ​that opportunity escape.