Specifications include, but are not limited to:Based on the City’s review and analysis of EITC data compiled by Brookings (http://www.brookings.edu/research/interactives/eitc), Dallas has a high level of individuals and families already claiming the EITC. This is supported by the following: 29% of Dallas households claim the EITC compared to approximately 20% of families nationally and Brookings’ estimate that 19% of MSA families would be eligible to claim the EITC. Additionally, Dallas’ rate is higher than Austin, Houston, Fort Worth and San Antonio Multiple neighborhoods (as determined by zip code) in Dallas have EITC claimant rates of higher 50% (of those eligible for EITC). Those zip codes include 75210, 75212, 75237, 75215, 75216, 75217, 75253 and 75241. Within the same eight zip codes identified above, more than 60% of the EITC claimants are using paid tax providers, and as many as 68% are claiming Refund Anticipation Loans/Checks (RAC), which ultimately takes money away from the individuals and do not offer any additional financial services. The City’s goals for a no cost tax preparation program are below: Ensure everyone who is eligible for EITC is claiming EITC Increase the number of EITC and low-moderate income filers who are using VITA or TCE providers or facilitated free-file services. Provide wrap around financial services to low-moderate income filers who are claiming EITC to increase financial literacy and well-being. These services can be a subset of the overall tax preparation services. The City recognizes that the funds they have available are insufficient for a comprehensive EITC and financial literacy program and encourages respondents to leverage the City funding with other existing funding and partners. Respondents will be scored based on the evaluation criteria, including how comprehensive their services are and the ability to partner with other organizations and funding sources.
