BATON ROUGE — Entergy Louisiana LLC is urging customers to not miss a special tax credit this year that could put money in their pockets.

The company is sponsoring Voluntary Income Tax Assistance centers across its Louisiana service area to promote the Earned Income Tax Credit to potentially eligible residential customers. Customers who earn $48,362 a year or less may qualify for an EITC from the Internal Revenue Service that could put more than $5,600 in their wallets.

“The EITC is widely viewed by experts as the single most effective poverty abatement program in the history of the federal government,” said Dr. Pamela Monroe, a professor at the Louisiana State University School of Social Work. “This tax credit annually lifts thousands of families from the depths of poverty and gives them much needed resources for financial security.”

Entergy Louisiana’s efforts complement the IRS campaign to educate taxpayers about the EITC and locations where they can receive free tax services.

Along with sponsoring the assistance centers, the company is mailing bill inserts about EITC to approximately 978,000 customers, placing outbound calls to customers and including messages about the credit on My Account Online and on paper bills.

“It’s part of Entergy Louisiana’s efforts to empower our customers to save money, whether by conserving power, managing energy dollars or maximizing tax credits,” said Sheila Butler, Entergy Louisiana customer service manager. “The IRS estimates that only four out of five eligible workers claim their EITC. We want to help make sure everyone who has earned the credit knows how to file, claim and get it.”

In the 2009 tax-filing season, 525,701 Louisiana residents received tax credits through EITC, according to the IRS.

“This is a critical program for many citizens in our parish, and Entergy is sharing an important message by raising awareness of an opportunity that could be overlooked,” said St. John the Baptist Parish President Natalie Robottom. “Many people will qualify for the EITC the first time this year and maybe not even know it. Amid tough economic times, it’s more important than ever for people to take advantage of the tax credits available.”

Studies show that some families use payments for significant purchases, such as a home or to pay off debts. Families can also use the credit they receive each year to start saving for the future.

To find the assistance site nearest you or information about EITC, customers can call 800-906-9887, visit www. irs.gov or visit www.entergy-louisiana.com for assistance.