Make less than $49,000? Look into the Earned Income Tax Credit. Extra money may be waiting for you.

Did you know that each year about 20 percent of Washington taxpayers miss out n receiving up to $5,751 in Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) payments from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS)?

The federal tax credit is available to thousands of low-and moderate-income working families and individuals.

Eligibility requirements

EITC eligibility requirements are:

• With three or more qualifying children, income less than $43,998 or $49,078 if married filing jointly. Maximum refund: $5,751
• With two qualifying children, income less than $40,964 or $46,044 if married filing jointly. Maximum refund: $5,112
• With one qualifying child, income less than $36,052 or $41,132 if married filing jointly. Maximum refund: $3,094
• With no children, income less than $13,660 or $18,740 if married filing jointly. Maximum refund: $464

Find out if you’re eligible

The IRS has developed an online Earned Income Tax Credit assistant to help you determine if you qualify for the credit. Visit the assistant http://www.irs.gov/individuals/article/0,,id=130102,00.html

Tax preparation assistance near you

Free tax preparation services are available to low- and moderate-income families now through April 17. Washington Information Network 211 will provide a directory of site locations throughout the state – just dial 2-1-1 and ask for “free tax preparation,” and an operator will provide you with free tax site locations and hours in your area. Or, visit www.irs.gov .

Help spread the word

Our challenge is to let people know they must file a 2011 federal income tax return to receive the EITC – even if they owe no tax.

For news releases and PSAs visit the EITC partner toolkit at http://www.eitc.irs.gov/ptoolkit/main/

MP3 PSA from Governor Chris Gregoire: Download MP3