As lawmakers weigh economic stimulus proposals including tax rebates, child care advocates are urging Oregonians to claim several tax credits that are already available to families with children. 

The Oregon Child Care Resource and Referral Network joined the National Women’s Law Center and child care advocates in several other states to launch an aggressive campaign about federal and state tax credits.

 “With the economy faltering and many families struggling to pay for energy, food and child care, these tax credits are more important than ever,” said Mary Nemmers, executive director of the Oregon Child Care Resource & Referral Network. “Yet many fail to claim the credits simply because they do not know about them.”

Nemmers said that the Network and its member programs, which help families find child care, are contacting thousands of families and child care providers about the tax credits.  

This year, the Earned Income Tax Credit is worth up to $4,716 and is refundable. In addition, there are five other tax credits for Oregon families with children:

? Oregon Working Family Child Care Tax Credit worth up to 40% of childcare expenses.

? Federal Child Tax Credit up to $1,000 per child.

? Federal Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit worth up to $2,100.

? Oregon’s Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit worth up to $1,800.

?Oregon’s Earned Income Tax Credit worth up to $236

Eligibility for all the tax credits depends on the amount of household income and number of qualifying children.  Three of the tax credits are designed to help with child care expenses.For more information about the tax credits and locations for free tax preparation, visit the Network’s Web site at (www.oregonchildcare.org), or English and Spanish callers may contact the Network toll-free at 800-342-6712.