It depends. You have to have earned income to qualify for the Earned Income Credit (EIC). If you didn't work, there are other types of income that the IRS considers to be earned income. Please see What is earned income? for more information.
In addition to having earned income, you must meet other criteria to qualify for the EIC:
- Be a U.S. citizen or resident alien for the entire year.
- Have a valid Social Security number for yourself, your spouse (if Married Filing Jointly), and any children that qualify you on your tax return.
- Not file Form 2555 or 2555-EZ (Foreign Earned Income).
- Meet certain rules if you are married but are separated from your spouse and filing separate tax returns.
- Have investment income below $11,600.
- Your income must be less than $66,819 if you're MFJ ($59,899 if you file Single, Head of Household, or Qualifying Surviving Spouse).
- If you don’t have dependents, be over 25 and under 65.
- Not qualify as a dependent for another taxpayer.
For more information, review the TurboTax articles What is the Earned Income Credit? Find Out If You Qualify and Why don't I qualify for EIC?
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