Oklahomans May Be Missing Out On Earned Income Tax Credits

Laura Moss, News On 6

TULSA, Oklahoma -- Thousands of Oklahomans could get shortchanged on their taxes and not even know it.

The IRS says 20-percent of Americans qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit, but don't claim it.

Ceil Bowers is going on 54 years of crunching numbers here in Green Country. "I love taxes, it's like reading someone's diary," she said.

Bowers says that personal connection is something you can't get online, especially when it comes to the Earned Income Tax Credit.

But, she says the families who need the money the most are the ones who typically try and save by doing their own taxes online.

"The government is trying to provide them a cheap way to file and in a lot of cases saving a $150 on a fee will cost them $3,000 worth of earned income credit," Bowers said.

"I just didn't want to do them on Turbo tax no more," said Tulsa tax payer Susana Alviezo. "Trying to see if I got more money back!"

And while Susana says she didn't get a lot more back, she got enough to cover the accountant's fee, and she got the peace of mind knowing she didn't miss out on any credits.

"Just ask as many questions as you can," Susana said.

That's something Bowers says not enough people do.

"If they have children that live with them more than half the year, ask. Or if they are in that low income bracket with no children, ask," Bowers said.

When it comes to the Earned Income Tax Credit, Bowers says there are no stupid questions; you never know when you might qualify. And, it's not too late to ask about past returns either

If you think you missed out on this credit, Accountants can check the last three years, and if you do qualify, you can still cash in.