Search
Insights > Entergy Secures Nearly $34M in Tax Returns for its Customers
Entergy Secures Nearly $34M in Tax Returns for its Customers
07/22/2019
At Entergy, our vision of “We Power Life” means working together to improve lives, create opportunities, strengthen communities and proactively find solutions to customers facing economic challenges.
During this year’s tax season, Entergy employee volunteers and community partners provided free tax preparation services to qualifying customers across our service areas of Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. More than 18,500 customers received a total of $34 million in federal tax refunds through the Earned Income Tax Credit this year. EITC is one of the nation’s most effective means of lifting Americans out of poverty by providing additional income and boosting employment for low-income workers.
“Some of the most hard-working, yet disadvantaged, people in the country live in our service territories. That is why we strive to help improve the lives of our customers and the economic health of our communities,” said Liz Brister, Entergy’s manager of low-income initiatives. “This tax credit has proven to provide a necessary economic ladder that helps families reach the next level financially.”
EITC can help customers pay their monthly bills, build credit, save for a down payment on a home, pursue education or save for unexpected expenses like a leaky roof, a flat tire or medical costs. Roughly one-third of EITC-eligible taxpayers achieve higher income levels the following year, but new families continue to qualify for the help that the tax credit provides.
Collectively, Entergy has helped approximately 146,000 customers receive $258 million through the EITC program since 2011. The company has received national recognition from the U.S Chamber of Commerce Foundation for implementing the best economic empowerment program in the country.
Entergy has promoted the EITC and sponsored free tax preparation sites throughout its service territory for ten years. Employee volunteers are trained and placed in communities throughout the four-state region. Entergy shareholders have also provided nearly a half-million dollars in grants to local Volunteer Income Tax Assistance sites annually.
In some VITA locations, local community partners offer scheduled appointments for tax preparation services, drop-off tax prep services, financial coaching, budget workshops, free legal services and more.
For more information on Entergy’s Super Tax Day, VITA and to see if you or someone you know qualifies for the EITC, visit entergy.com/freetaxhelp.
