(Washington, DC) - For those District of Columbia taxpayers filing their 2008 individual income tax returns and may qualify for the District’s Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), please note that the DC EITC has been increased from 35 percent to 40 percent of the federal credit.

Paper Filers:

Taxpayers filing paper returns are advised to disregard the instructions (pages 7 and 15) in the 2008 individual income tax booklet and on the tax forms (line 13 of form D-40EZ and line 28 of form D-40), and immediately begin to claim the credit at the 40 percent rate.

Electronic Filers and Tax Professionals:

Electronic filers and tax professionals may continue to use approved tax software options to electronically prepare returns.  However, they are advised to check for updates and to make the appropriate changes to their software.

The Office of Tax and Revenue (OTR) will adjust all returns filed at the incorrect rate. For those taxpayers who have already filed their 2008 individual income tax return, it is not necessary to file an amended return with OTR. If eligible, OTR will issue the additional refund within four to six weeks. The refund will be issued using the option indicated on the return – direct deposit or paper check. 

For additional information, please call OTR’s Customer Service Center at (202) 727-4TAX (4829).