What is the IRS Earned Income Credit?
The IRS Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a tax credit for certain people who work and have earned income under certain income limits based on your filing status.
A tax credit usually means more money in your pocket.
It reduces the amount of tax you owe.
The Earned Income Tax Credit may also give you a refund, even if you do not owe any tax.
There are certain qualifications set by the IRS in order for you to receive the Earned Income Credit.
Please review the IRS EITC page and IRS Publication 596 for the full details.
What's New 2024' - Earned Income Tax Credit
For filing 2024 tax returns:
You can qualify for EIC based on no children, 1 child, 2 children, and 3 or more children.
Earned Income Tax Credit Requirements
To claim the EITC, taxpayers must meet the following rules:
- Must have earned income
- Must have a valid Social Security number
- Investment income below $10,000 in the tax year 2021
- Filing status cannot be "married filing separately"
- Generally must be a U.S. citizen or resident alien all year
- Cannot be a qualifying child of another person
- Cannot file Form 2555 (related to foreign earned income)
For more help on determining if you qualify for EIC, you can use the
IRS EIC Assistant
Earned Income Credit - Qualifying Child Criteria
TA qualifying child cannot be used by more than one person to claim the Earned Income Tax Credit.
The child must meet the relationship, age and residency tests.
If you don't have a child:
- You (or your spouse if filing jointly) must be at least age 25, but under age 65
- You (and your spouse if filing jointly) cannot qualify as the dependent of another person
- You (and your spouse if filing jointly) must have lived in the United States more than half the tax year
- Filing status cannot be "married filing separately"
For more help on determining if you qualify for EIC, you can use the
IRS EIC Assistant
Earned Income Credit - Proper Income Reporting
You need to have worked and have earned income less than:
- $51,464 ($57,414 if married filing jointly) if you have three or more qualifying children who have valid SSNs
- $47,915 ($53,865 if married filing jointly) if you have two qualifying children who have valid SSNs
- $42,158 ($48,108 if married filing jointly) if you have one qualifying child who has a valid SSN
- $21,430 ($27,380 if married filing jointly) if you don't have a qualifying child who has a valid SSN
Common Earned Income Credit errors to avoid
- Taxpayers claim a child who is not a qualifying child
- Married taxpayers who should file as married filing separately instead file as single or head of household
- Income-reporting errors
- Taxpayers or qualifying children with incorrect Social Security numbers
EITC errors can potentially delay or even result in denial of the EITC portion of a refund. If you take the EIC even though you are not eligible and it is determined that your error is due to reckless or intentional disregard of the EIC rules, you will not be allowed to take the credit for 2 years even if you are otherwise eligible to do so. If you fraudulently take the EIC, you will not be allowed to take the credit for 10 years and may also owe penalties.
Earned Income Tax Credit Certification Test
The IRS has asked some Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) claimants to verify that they meet key eligibility requirements in order to claim their earned income tax credit. Those contacted should respond immediately to ensure they receive the EITC they deserve