Taxes are a complicated and exasperating matter. No one wants to pay them, but all benefit from the services provided.

When you earn near the Federal poverty threshold, however, taxes can literally break the bank --- except for one tax break that benefits the working poor. It's called the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and it helps ensure that if you work, taxes will not make it harder to escape poverty.

Americans, in particular, appreciate when people work hard. The ethic is well ingrained in our national psyche --- sometimes too much so when we assume that only self-reliance, and not economic and societal inequalities, contribute to poverty.

Furthermore, Catholic social teaching says that work is the normal way of caring for oneself and one's family, and that government should take steps to ensure that we have the opportunity to do so.

For people to work hard and still fall behind is contrary to American "common sense." The EITC is one good way of ensuring that work pays off and is widely acknowledged as one of the most effective anti-poverty tools in the United States.

Very few tax policies are appreciated on both sides of the ever-widening gap between liberals and conservatives. The EITC is one of them, yet the IRS estimates that as many as 7 million eligible taxpayers do not take advantage of it.

Workers who qualify for the credit, says the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities in Washington, D.C., will have their tax burden reduced and may even get extra cash back from the IRS --- especially if they have children.

For example, take a family with two parents and two children that earn 150 percent of the Federal poverty threshold --- about $29,000 per year. Without the EITC they owe $550 in taxes. However, the EITC is worth almost $2,000, meaning they do not have to pay the $550 and receive $1,450 back from "Uncle Sam."

That money can help such a family quite a bit. It can cover late bills. Fix a leaky roof. Pay for community college. Or repair a broken car.

As the family's income rises, the credit is reduced until the point where it ends completely --- at about $38,000 per year for a family of four or about 200 percent of the poverty guidelines.

We all gripe about paying --- and, oh, what fun it is --- but it sure beats the alternative of earning nothing, owning nothing or, just as bad, working hard and still falling behind.

The fairness of the tax system is another question. As a society we need to make sure it is fair for all - individuals and corporations, home owners and renters, married and unmarried people.

"Justice and taxes" just doesn't have the same ring as "death and taxes." But we can always work toward more fairness.

Fortunately, there is an effort in California to do just that by creating a state EITC Introduced by Assemblymember Dave Jones of Sacramento, the measure would create a similar credit on state taxes. Several other states already do that.

Part of the pain of paying taxes --- aside from the obvious dollars involved --- is the whole exercise of filling out those tortuous, confusing forms.

Fortunately, many non-profits operate Voluntary Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites to help low-income people, seniors and others file.

I've even heard that IRS agents volunteer at these centers --- proving once again that stereotypes are not a good thing. The Apostle Matthew, also a tax collector, is another strong argument for not judging too quickly.

Too many low-income people pay too much to get their tax returns done when this service is available for free. But there is a further danger --- quick refund loans.

Commercial tax preparers have promoted this lucrative side business, which in reality is a short-term loan --- often with exorbitant fees and rates.

National outrage at the high rates has caused many people to be leery of these loans --- but they are still a problem for many, especially for military personnel, according to the Department of Defense.

Providing for the common good requires all of us to contribute. Supporting our neighbors through taxes and other means lifts our communities. But fairness is essential.

Some caring tax policies for the poor like the EITC are not too much to ask from our government.

Steve Pehanich, executive director of Catholic Charities of California, provides public policy assistance to the 12 Catholic Charities agencies in the state. Email him at spehanich@cactholic.org.