As Part of Ninth Annual National Earned Income Tax Credit Awareness Day, Citi Releases Latest “Money Matters” Guide

NEW YORK, January 30, 2015 /3BL Media/ – Today, Citi – in collaboration with nonprofit partners in eight states across the United States – released the Money Matters guide, which is a tool designed to raise awareness of the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), a refundable tax credit for low- and moderate-income working families. Last year, nearly 28 million families received more than $65 billion in EITC refunds, with an average refund of $2,407 per family, but many additional taxpayers may qualify for qualify for the credit.

Money Matters encourages eligible taxpayers to visit free Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites, which provide free tax preparation assistance, offer financial counseling and other financial empowerment services. The brochure also provides a list of EITC eligibility criteria, a checklist of important materials required for filing, and helpful tips for building a healthy financial identity, such as saving and paying down debt.

“The Earned Income Tax Credit provides a much-need economic boost to working families throughout the United States,” said Bob Annibale, Citi’s Global Director of Community Development and Inclusive Finance. “The Money Matters campaign serves as an important resource to ensure eligible Americans receive the tax refunds they have earned, bolstering their finances and helping make a difference in their lives.”

For millions of U.S. households, the EITC increases household cash flow and contributes to overall financial health. This lump sum infusion to household income enables individuals and families to pay down debts, begin saving, and start planning financial goals for the future, making tax time an important opportunity for strengthening long-term financial security. According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, EITC contributed to efforts that lifted approximately 6.2 million Americans out of poverty in 2013, including 3.2 million children.

Money Matters is available for download in English and Spanish at on.citi.us/MoneyMatters. Market-specific editions of the brochure will also be distributed at participating nonprofits and their affiliate VITA sites, including:

• Boston, Massachusetts:       Midas Collaborative
• Bridgeport, Connecticut:      United Way of Coastal Fairfield County
• Chicago, Illinois:                    Center for Economic Progress
• Eagle Butte, South Dakota:  Four Bands Community Fund
• Hartford, Connecticut:         Connecticut Association for Human Services
• Kyle, South Dakota:              The Lakota Funds
• Long Island, New York:         Health & Welfare Council of Long Island
                                                Prosperity Center of Long Island
• Los Angeles, California:        Koreatown Youth and Community Center
• Madison, South Dakota:       Inter-Lakes Community Action Partnership
• Miami, Florida:                       Catalyst Miami           
• Oakland, California:               East Bay Asian Local Development Center
• Washington, D.C.:                 Capital Area Asset Builders

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About Citi
Citi, the leading global bank, has approximately 200 million customer accounts and does business in more than 160 countries and jurisdictions. Citi provides consumers, corporations, governments and institutions with a broad range of financial products and services, including consumer banking and credit, corporate and investment banking, securities brokerage, transaction services, and wealth management.

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Media Contacts:         

Kamran Mumtaz          (212) 793-7682

Elizabeth Patella         (212) 559-2477