Refundable credits are one of the most effective and targeted tax reduction strategies. Taxpayers receive a refund for the portion of the credit that exceeds their income tax bill, offsetting some of the regressive effects of state and local sales, excise, and property taxes.
Non-refundable credits limit the usefulness of the EITC to low-income families. Taxpayers earning too little to owe state income tax will receive no benefit from the credit, despite the upside-down nature of state and local tax systems.
