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What are the qualifications for the Earned Income Credit (EIC or EITC)?

by TurboTax•4114• Updated 1 week ago

To qualify for and claim the Earned Income Credit you must:

  • Have earned income
  • Have been a US citizen or resident alien for the entire tax year
  • Have a valid Social Security number (not an ITIN) for yourself, your spouse (if filing jointly), and any qualifying children on your return
  • Not have investment income exceeding $11,950
  • Not be filing a Form 2555 or 2555-EZ
  • File a return with the Single, Married Filing Jointly, Head of Household, or Qualifying Surviving Spouse filing status, even if you're not required to file a return

In addition, both your earned income and adjusted gross income (AGI) may not exceed:

  • $19,104 if you're not claiming a qualifying child ($26,214 if filing jointly)
  • $50,434 if you're claiming one qualifying child ($57,554 if filing jointly)
  • $57,310 if you're claiming two qualifying children ($64,430 if filing jointly)
  • $61,555 if you're claiming three or more qualifying children ($68,675 if filing jointly)

If you're not claiming a qualifying child:

  • You (and your jointly-filing spouse) can't be claimed as a qualifying child or dependent on anyone else's return.
  • You must be at least age 25 but under age 65 (at least one spouse must meet the age rule).