Advocates urge Massachusetts families to claim refundable tax credits; free filing help available
February 18, 2026 | Department of Early Education and Care, Executive , Massachusetts
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Children's HealthWatch and partner organizations held a Spanish-language webinar to explain refundable tax credits available to Massachusetts residents, how eligible families can claim them, and where to find free tax-preparation help.
The presentation, led by Carly Bramley, Charlotte Russi and Angela Devares of the Healthy Families Tax Credit Coalition, focused on the mechanics of refundable credits such as the federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and a recently established Massachusetts Child and Family Tax Credit. Presenters said the Massachusetts Child and Family Tax Credit provides $440 per qualifying dependent under age 13 and that the state credit is more inclusive than some federal programs — for example, it can be available to households including immigrants without Social Security numbers when eligibility rules are met.
Why it matters: Presenters emphasized that refundable credits reduce tax liability and can generate a direct payment when credits exceed taxes owed — a meaningful boost for low- and moderate-income households. The coalition said credit amounts vary by household composition and income; presenters discussed examples ranging from small refunds for some part-time workers to several thousand dollars in combined credits for households with multiple qualifying dependents. They encouraged families who did not file in recent years to consider filing for prior years (up to three years back) to claim missed credits.
Free filing and outreach: Presenters highlighted Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA), an IRS-supported program of certified volunteer preparers. They said VITA offers free, in-person and virtual assistance across Massachusetts and that VITA eligibility and service models vary by site; the webinar demonstrated how to find local VITA locations by ZIP code and language availability. The presenters also described a virtual self-preparation option on the coalition’s resource site that lists a higher income threshold for some tools (the webinar cited up to $83,000 for a virtual self-prep option).
Immigrant filers and ITINs: Angela Devares, a legal-services attorney, addressed immigrant filing questions. She said an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) can be issued for a dependent when a federal filing requirement exists and that families should weigh data-sharing and immigration risks — especially where agency data-sharing agreements have been subject to litigation. She recommended individuals with immigration-related concerns seek immigration counsel before filing.
Common questions answered: Presenters noted that claiming refundable tax credits typically does not affect eligibility for benefit programs such as SNAP or WIC, but they advised attendees to check specific program rules. They also discussed worker classification questions, advising caregivers and employers to verify whether pay should be reported on Form 1099 (independent contractor) or as employee wages; misclassification can change tax and payroll responsibilities.
Resources and outreach materials: The coalition pointed attendees to FindYourFunds.org, a multilingual site with downloadable flyers (available in 11 languages), outreach kits, sample newsletter language and social-post templates for program managers, schools and community groups. Presenters offered follow-up legal help for complex cases and encouraged organizations to share materials in trusted local networks.
What’s next: Presenters closed by urging eligible families to use free filing services or follow the site’s guidance to claim credits they are owed; they also offered to take follow-up questions by phone or email and to assist with referrals to legal clinics for complicated cases.
The presentation, led by Carly Bramley, Charlotte Russi and Angela Devares of the Healthy Families Tax Credit Coalition, focused on the mechanics of refundable credits such as the federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and a recently established Massachusetts Child and Family Tax Credit. Presenters said the Massachusetts Child and Family Tax Credit provides $440 per qualifying dependent under age 13 and that the state credit is more inclusive than some federal programs — for example, it can be available to households including immigrants without Social Security numbers when eligibility rules are met.
Why it matters: Presenters emphasized that refundable credits reduce tax liability and can generate a direct payment when credits exceed taxes owed — a meaningful boost for low- and moderate-income households. The coalition said credit amounts vary by household composition and income; presenters discussed examples ranging from small refunds for some part-time workers to several thousand dollars in combined credits for households with multiple qualifying dependents. They encouraged families who did not file in recent years to consider filing for prior years (up to three years back) to claim missed credits.
Free filing and outreach: Presenters highlighted Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA), an IRS-supported program of certified volunteer preparers. They said VITA offers free, in-person and virtual assistance across Massachusetts and that VITA eligibility and service models vary by site; the webinar demonstrated how to find local VITA locations by ZIP code and language availability. The presenters also described a virtual self-preparation option on the coalition’s resource site that lists a higher income threshold for some tools (the webinar cited up to $83,000 for a virtual self-prep option).
Immigrant filers and ITINs: Angela Devares, a legal-services attorney, addressed immigrant filing questions. She said an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) can be issued for a dependent when a federal filing requirement exists and that families should weigh data-sharing and immigration risks — especially where agency data-sharing agreements have been subject to litigation. She recommended individuals with immigration-related concerns seek immigration counsel before filing.
Common questions answered: Presenters noted that claiming refundable tax credits typically does not affect eligibility for benefit programs such as SNAP or WIC, but they advised attendees to check specific program rules. They also discussed worker classification questions, advising caregivers and employers to verify whether pay should be reported on Form 1099 (independent contractor) or as employee wages; misclassification can change tax and payroll responsibilities.
Resources and outreach materials: The coalition pointed attendees to FindYourFunds.org, a multilingual site with downloadable flyers (available in 11 languages), outreach kits, sample newsletter language and social-post templates for program managers, schools and community groups. Presenters offered follow-up legal help for complex cases and encouraged organizations to share materials in trusted local networks.
What’s next: Presenters closed by urging eligible families to use free filing services or follow the site’s guidance to claim credits they are owed; they also offered to take follow-up questions by phone or email and to assist with referrals to legal clinics for complicated cases.
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