Sample News Release

Instructions: Copy and paste the template and fill in the [blanks] below for use as a press release.

NEWS RELEASE

For more information, contact:     [Name]

                                               [Phone number]

Unexpected funds due many New York city residents if they reply

No one is ringing doorbells with balloons and oversized checks in hand, but a letter in the mail could be almost as good for many New York City residents. The Department of Finance is notifying 6,239 residents they could be entitled to hundreds -- or even thousands -- of dollars from New York State, New York City and the IRS.

According to [spokesperson name], [title], [agency], the letters are going to individuals who appear to be eligible for but did not claim the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) on their 2009 federal and state income tax returns. EITC is a refundable tax credit available to many workers and self-employed individuals whose incomes were under $48,000 in 2009.

"Our residents need every dollar they can get in today's tight economy," [name] said. "These taxpayers could be eligible to receive up to $5,028 from the IRS. This is money that could make their lives a little easier during tough times, but they must respond to claim it."

[name] said IRS sent these taxpayers a previous letter, so this  is a second attempt to notify residents about potential unclaimed 2009 EITC. "Look for this letter. Read it and reply," [name] said. "You must provide the information requested to get your money."

The letters include everything needed to claim their credit, including a worksheet that takes the place of an amended return. Residents can get help filling out the forms at [enter assistance location(s) or call [enter phone number].

Also, these residents may be eligible for the State and/or City Earned Income Tax Credit for tax year 2009.  If New York State determines they qualify for this credit, the State Department of Taxation will mail the New York State and City EITC checks directlty to them with no further paperwork required.

 But, hurry, residents have until April 15, 2013 to claim the credit.

[name] also urges workers who earned less than $49,000 in 2011 or 2010 to check their returns to see if they qualified  for EITC in either of those years. And,if eligible, file an amended return for those years claiming the credit.

More Samples for Partners of the NYC Finance Department Project

• Sample Newsletter Article or Email Message
• Sample 'tweet'

Return to Special Outreach Project with New York City's Department of Finance

Last updated: 2/21/2013