topic If I didn’t file last year, can I still get the EIC for last year? in Deductions & credits

If I didn’t file last year, can I still get the EIC for last year?

user424043 — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 10:04:41 GMT

Re: If I didn’t file last year, can I still get the EIC for last year?

xmasbaby0 — Fri, 27 Jan 2023 00:07:41 GMT

No. Not unless you have some income or something to enter on a 2021 tax return. You cannot get EIC for last year on a 2022 tax return. Did you have any income for 2021 to put on a tax return.

For 2022

For the Earned Income Credit—-the rules are back to the “old” rules—

Those under 25 and over 65 without children are not eligible as they were uniquely in 2021. And you cannot use your income from any earlier tax year to get the EIC for a 2022 return. There is no “lookback” for 2022. EIC for 2022 will be based on the income you earned by working in 2022.

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: If I didn’t file last year, can I still get the EIC for last year?

xmasbaby0 — Fri, 27 Jan 2023 00:08:11 GMT

Online preparation and e-filing for 2019 and 2020 and 2021 is permanently closed.

To file a return for a prior tax year

If you need to prepare a return for 2019, 2020 or 2021 you can purchase and download desktop software to do it, then print, sign, and mail the return(s)

https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/past-years-products/

You may also want to explore purchasing the software from various retailers such as Amazon, Costco, Best Buy, Walmart, Sam’s, etc.

Remember to prepare your state return as well—if you live in a state that has a state income tax.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/state-taxes/help/how-do-i-contact-my-state-department-of-revenue/00/25573

When you mail a tax return, you need to attach any documents showing tax withheld, such as your W-2’s or any 1099’s. Use a mailing service that will track it, such as UPS or certified mail so you will know the IRS/state received the return.

Federal and state returns must be in separate envelopes and they are mailed to different addresses. Read the mailing instructions that print with your tax return carefully so you mail them to the right addresses.

Note: The desktop software you need to prepare the prior year return must be installed/downloaded to a full PC or Mac. It cannot be used on a mobile device.