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Democratic

George “G.K.” Butterfield Jr.

Congressman Butterfield’s roots in Wilson, N.C. taught him the values of hard work and responsibility. His father, Dr. G. K. Butterfield Sr., was a respected dentist and elected official. Dr. Butterfield graduated from Meharry Dental College and practiced dentistry for 50 years in the poor, segregated community of East Wilson. Many of his patients had never received dental services because they were unable to afford care. However, Dr. Butterfield did not turn anyone away because they were unable to pay. To him, access to care was a right for everyone, not a privilege for the few.

Congressman Butterfield’s mother, Addie, was passionate about education. She taught elementary school for 48 years in some of the poorest communities in North Carolina. Mrs. Butterfield was keenly focused on making sure her students learned to read--a right that was denied to many Blacks in the South. 

Understanding Tax Credits

What is Earned Income Tax Credit?

The earned income tax credit, also known as the EITC or EIC, is a refundable tax credit for working people with low to moderate income. A tax credit puts more money in your pocket, reduces the amount of tax you owe, and may also give you a refund. Yet, one out of five eligible workers fails to claim it. You might qualify for EITC this year even if you didn't in the past.

How Do I Know if I Qualify?

With the exception of someome who receives certain disability income, you must work for someone or run your own business or farm to qualify for EITC. Workers can find out if they qualify for EITC using the EITC Assistant tool at www.irs.gov/eitc.

To claim EITC on your tax return, you must meet the following rules:

  • You, your spouse (if you file a joint tax return) must have a Social Security number that is valid for employment.
  • You must have earned income from working for someone else or owning or running a farm or business.
  • If married, you cannot file separately.
  • You must be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident all year.
  • You cannot file Form 2555 or Form 2555 EZ (related to foreign earned income).
  • You must meet the earned income, AGI, and investment income limits. See the EITC Income Limits for the tax year amounts.
  • And you must meet one of the following:
    • Have a qualifying child:
      • Age - Your child must meet one of the following:
        • Be under age 19 at the end of the year and younger than you or your spouse (if you file a joint return).
        • Be a full-time student during at least five months of the year and under age 24 at the end of the year and younger than you or your spouse (if you file a joint return).
        • Be permanently disabled at any time during the year and any age.
        • Relationship - A child must be your:
          • Son, daughter, adopted child, stepchild, eligible foster child, or a descendant of any of them (example: a grandchild), or
          • Brother, sister, half brother, half sister, stepbrother, stepsister, or a descendant of any of them (example: a niece or nephew).
      • Residency - Your child must have lived with you, or your spouse if you file a oint return, in the United States for more than half the year.
      • Joint Return - Your child must not have filed a joint return or if your child filed a joint return, your child and his/her spouse filed only to claim a refund and were not required to file.
    • If you do not have a qualifying child:
      • You must be age 25 but under age 65 at the end of the year,
      • Live in the United States for more than half the year, and
      • Not qualify as a dependent for another person.