There’s been a big increase in the number of local families taking advantage of the state’s Earned Income Tax Credit. The Franchise Tax Board says this is just like the federal credit, but it’s intended to help those in the lowest income brackets get a refund.

More than 8,000 Kern County residents have filed for the state credit so far this tax season, receiving more than $6 million in cash-back refunds.

Sean Michael Lisle