Mary Michelle Gillum Champions Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Advocacy | League of Women Voters of Oak Ridge

Mary Michelle Gillum champions the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) at the League of Women Voters of Oak Ridge.

Mary Michelle Gillum Advocates for Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) at League of Women Voters of Oak Ridge

Mary Michelle Gillum, speaking to the League of Women Voters of Oak Ridge, stressed the importance of the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) as a significant government subsidy for combating poverty. She explained how the EITC provides refunds to low-income Americans lessening the burden of taxes like Social Security and Medicare. Gillum highlighted its impact, especially for families earning minimum wage where it can provide substantial refunds, up to $7,430 for those with three or more qualifying children, according to the report of Oak Ridger.

Despite its importance, Gillum noted a challenge: the IRS’s reluctance to distribute these subsidies. Many claiming the EITC face audits, with a high percentage deemed wrongful. Gillum clarified that this figure often includes individuals who panic and don’t respond to audits. To address this, her Tennessee Taxpayer Project aids about 90% of clients denied the EITC, helping them validate their eligibility.

Under the Legal Aid Society (LAS) of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands, Gillum’s Tennessee Taxpayer Project provides crucial advocacy for low-income taxpayers. They challenge IRS audit decisions through appeals processes, extending support beyond tax issues to various civil legal matters faced by vulnerable populations.

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(photo: AOL.com)

Michelle Gillum’s Impact through Legal Aid Society’s Tennessee Taxpayer Project

LAS serves over 440,000 individuals living below the federal poverty level in their service area, offering essential legal assistance in various civil matters. With a mission to defend the rights of vulnerable populations, LAS stands as a primary provider of free civil legal aid in Tennessee.

Through systemic advocacy, Gillum and her team have achieved significant victories, challenging unfair IRS policies and securing financial benefits for clients. Notable cases like Vinatieri v. Commissioner and Marlow v. Commissioner have set precedents, affirming the rights of individuals facing economic hardship.

In a landscape of widening economic inequality, Gillum’s work highlights the crucial role of legal advocacy in securing rights and resources for marginalized communities. Through LAS and the Tennessee Taxpayer Project, individuals facing financial hardships receive vital support and representation, ensuring they’re not denied benefits entitled to them by law. Gillum’s ongoing efforts serve as a beacon of hope for those navigating poverty and taxation in modern America.

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