Noncustodial Parents, and Child Support & EITC Policy: Are We Moving Families Toward Economic Security?

This paper examines recent state tax policy proposals that will inevitably result in increased tax burdens on low-income families; considers the effect of federal and state Earned Income Tax Credits on parents who are court-ordered to pay child support; and calculates the impact of that policy on parents in four focus states (Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi and Illinois), estimating that noncustodial parents in these states need to earn anywhere from $32,000 to $45,000 per year in order to pay child support while maintaining basic economic security for themselves and their children.