The individual tax return, Form 1040, holds a unique position in US domestic policy. Form 1040 is the only document most Americans must submit to the federal government annually (since 1916). Initially, the form had a single purpose – to collect taxes on income. At the time, only those with inflation-adjusted incomes of roughly $70,000 and up paid any tax.
Over time, however, congress realized the annual filing requirement made the tax return an efficient way to enact politically-influenced policies. These policies often benefit lobbyists and special interests by reducing their costs (and increasing profit) and by influencing consumer behavior. Many purchase-related credits and deductions trace to these efforts. Over time, policymakers came to realize that the annual filing requirement made Form 1040 an efficient vehicle to direct taxpayer dollars to other groups, especially those with children. These measures take the form of credits augmenting social welfare programs. A few are listed in the introduction above. The Earned Income Tax Credit is a near-perfect example of your tax return's increasing role in welfare administration.
History
The Earned Income Tax Credit first arrived in 1975 as a temporary measure to encourage work and reduce growing dependence on welfare. The credit was equal to 10% of a qualifying taxpayer’s first $4,000. The maximum credit was $400. That year, 6.8 million tax-filers received an average credit of $201. The $400 maximum equals $1,977 on up to $19,770 of income when adjusted for inflation. The average EITC recipient received the equivalent of $989 in 2021 dollars.
Today
Let’s fast-forward to 2018, the most recent year with reliable data. The 1975 tax credit, which was supposed to be temporary (and reduce welfare dependence), has ballooned to BECOME a mammoth welfare program. In 2018, 26.5 million return-filers collectively received $65 billion in Earned Income Tax Credits. The average payment per recipient was $2,449, nearly 250% of the average 1975 inflation-adjusted payment.
Error & Fraud Monster
In 2021, tax-filers can earn up to $57,414 and receive the EITC credit. The maximum credit is $6,728. That’s a ton of money and a significant fraud incentive. The EITC is so complex and lucrative that the IRS estimates that 20% to 26% of EITC payouts are erroneous or fraudulent. That’s over 6 million payments costing US taxpayers between $13.6 Billion and 16.9 billion annually.
The EITC, combined with other income-based assistance program credits, has made much of a tax professional’s work that of a highly scrutinized social worker. If you’ve received the EITC and questioned the plethora of statements and signatures we require. Rampant fraud is your answer.
All courses and articles are for informational purposes only and do not constitute tax advice. Taxes are complicated - do not act on course information without consulting a professional. Always refer to treasury regulation before making any tax decision. Read the full disclaimer.
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- Tammy, Anchorage, AK, 1099-MISC Basics Course