The Campaign for Working Families

Meet Elizabeth Crespo, and find out how she could afford to by a car, a house, eliminate debt and plan a family vacation to the shore.

In 2001, Elizabeth Crespo filed her taxes for the first time, and applied for the Earned Income Tax Credit and other credits especially for working families.

Coupled with her savings, and the help of a housing counselor, Elizabeth was able to put money aside, towards a home for herself and her family. She was able to correct her credit woes, eliminate some debts, pay off credit cards and get the best deal towards her dream house. She now pays $539 in mortgage payments compared to $800 in rent for something that belongs to her. a home.

The following year, Elizabeth again received her EITC and other tax credits for working families. She used the monies to eliminate some bills, pay off more credit cards and purchase a used car.

As a single mother of five children between the ages of 10 and 16, Elizabeth realized the importance of having the right resources and the willingness to help other people.

In addition to her day-job at Congreso, Elizabeth volunteers to help other Philadelphia residents with their taxes so they can receive all of the money and tax credits they earned.

This tax season, Elizabeth is receiving $2,057 in federal Earned Income Tax Credit. She filed her taxes at Congreso, one of 19 Campaign for Working Families' free tax preparation sites. Instead of filing her taxes at a commercial tax preparation site, which could have cost her over $500 for preparation and other fees, Elizabeth filed her taxes for free and kept every penny she was entitled to receive.

With this year's return, Elizabeth and her children, Luis, Michael, Rafael Oquendo, Maria and Edison Guaranda will enjoy the benefits of her hard work with a vacation to the shore.

The Campaign for Working Families promotes the filing of the Earned Income Tax Credit and connects working families to public benefits, and other asset building programs. To find out if you are eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit, click here.

To find out more about the Campaign for Working Families, click here.