HARTFORD, Conn. -- On Saturday, Gov. Jodi Rell reminded residents to learn more about the federal Earned Income Tax Credit, which could provide eligible taxpayers as much as $5,600 from the Internal Revenue Service.

In a statement released on Saturday, Rell also pointed out that the federal stimulus bill could mean a federal income tax deduction for Connecticut residents who purchased a new vehicle before the end of 2009.

Rell said, "In the current economic climate, many state residents will qualify for EITC for the first time because their income has fallen below the threshold. It is important that residents look into their eligibility because if they qualify, claiming the EITC can give struggling families can get a much-needed infusion of cash."

Taxpayers who earned $48,279 or less from wages, self-employment or farming in 2009 may qualify for the credit. In addition to the EITC, a tax deduction was available to residents who purchased a new car, light truck, motor home, or motorcycle in 2009.

For more information in the EITC, check out Connecticut's Infoline Web site. You can also get information from heading to the Internal Revenue Service Web site.