Earned Income Tax Credit
What is the Earned Income Tax Credit EITC?
It's a federal income tax credit for people who work, but don't earn much money. If you qualify, it could be worth up to $5,657 this year. So you could pay less federal tax or even get a refund. But it's not just about the money, it's about the difference it can make in your life.Am I eligible for the EITC?
You may be if you meet the rules to claim the credit.- You must have earned income from employment or self-employment.
- Your earned income must be less than:
- $13,440 ($18,440 if married filing jointly) with no qualifying children,
- $35,463 ($40,463 if married filing jointly) with one qualifying child,
- $40,295 ($45,295 if married filing jointly) with two qualifying children,
- $43,279 ($48,279 if married filing jointly) with three or more qualifying children,
- Your investment income (such as interest) must be $3,100 or less.
- Your filing status cannot be married filing separately.
- You must be a U.S. citizen or resident alien all year, on a nonresident alien married to a U.S. citizen or resident alien and filing a joint return.
- You must have a valid Social Security number (SSN).
- You cannot be a qualifying child of another person.
- If you do not have a qualifying child, you must:
- be age 25 but under 65 at the end of the year,
- live in the United States* for more than half the year, and
- not qualify as a dependent of another person.
* U.S. military personnel on extended active duty outside the United States are considered to live in the United States while on active duty.
See if you qualify. Visit www.irs.gov/eitc