topic Why can't I get my EIC federal return if I worked, have my W2 for the 2022 year, supported myself and successfully filed and received my federal return last year in 2021? in Deductions & credits

Why can't I get my EIC federal return if I worked, have my W2 for the 2022 year, supported myself and successfully filed and received my federal return last year in 2021?

sarahrm2002 — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 10:53:46 GMT

When I tried to do a federal return review to see how much I'd get, it said that I didn't qualify for the Earned Income Credit so I would be getting 0$ on my federal return due to be not being 25 or older at the end of the tax year.
It made no sense because I was able to get a federal tax return for the 2021 tax year and I wasn't 25+ at the time I filed for it or received my tax return.

Re: Why can't I get my EIC federal return if I worked, have my W2 for the 2022 year, supported my...

Vanessa A — Fri, 13 Jan 2023 17:30:00 GMT

Did you claim a child on your return last year? In order to claim the EITC, if you are under 25 years old, you need to claim a qualifying child. If you are single with no children, then you can only claim the credit if you are ages 25-65.

"Claim the EITC Without a Qualifying Child

You are eligible to claim the EITC without a qualifying child if you meet all the following rules. You (and your spouse if you file a joint tax return) must:

Meet the EITC basic qualifying rules
Have your main home in the United States for more than half the tax year
- The United States includes the 50 states, the District of Columbia and U.S. military bases. It does not include U.S. possessions such as Guam, the Virgin Islands or Puerto Rico
Not be claimed as a qualifying child on anyone else's tax return
Be at least age 25 but under age 65 (at least one spouse must meet the age rule)"

Earned Income Tax Credit Qualifications

Re: Why can't I get my EIC federal return if I worked, have my W2 for the 2022 year, supported my...

sarahrm2002 — Fri, 13 Jan 2023 18:03:47 GMT

I didn't claim a child at all last year.

I am not 25 or older.

I've been a US citizen since I was born.

I was never claimed as a dependent or qualifying child since I reached legal age of adulthood.

I was still able to get my EITC for my 2021 and ended up getting a stimulus check because of of covid on my federal tax return without having a child or dependent, in fact, I've made more income since the 2021 tax year so it still doesn't make sense as to why I can't get anything back for the 2022 tax return 😕

Re: Why can't I get my EIC federal return if I worked, have my W2 for the 2022 year, supported my...

VolvoGirl — Fri, 13 Jan 2023 18:07:02 GMT

Sorry that was a special rule for 2021 that you didn't need to be over 25 without a child. 2022 went back to the old rules. Have to have a qualifying child or be over 25 to get the EIC.

Re: Why can't I get my EIC federal return if I worked, have my W2 for the 2022 year, supported my...

xmasbaby0 — Fri, 13 Jan 2023 18:19:27 GMT

@sarahrm2002 Yes----the rules changed. Tax year 2021 had some special rules that are gone for 2022 tax returns. If you are younger than 25 and have no qualified child dependent you are not eligible for EIC. Sorry.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1899157-what-are-the-qualifications-for-the-earned-income-credit-eic-or-eitc

https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/individuals/earned-income-tax-credit/use-the-eitc-assistant

Re: Why can't I get my EIC federal return if I worked, have my W2 for the 2022 year, supported my...

DianeW777 — Wed, 18 Jan 2023 21:46:50 GMT

You indicate in your response that you are not 25 or older. As noted above you must be at least age 25 but under age 65 (at least one spouse, if married, must meet the age rule).

Something else you should review is the amount of federal withholding on your W-2. Since you do not qualify for the earned income tax credit (EITC), and if you had no federal withholding tax then there may be nothing to refund. Check box 2, of your W-2 to confirm. Then you can also preview your 1040 to review or compare it line-by-line with last year's return.

Using the Tax Tools:

To find Tools:
- Sign into your TurboTax account and open or continue your return.
- Select Tax Tools in the left menu.
- You'll find Tools beneath Tax Tools.
- Select View Tax Summary
- Select Preview My 1040 (left black panel)
- See the image below.