topic How is the earned income tax credit calculated? in Deductions & credits

How is the earned income tax credit calculated?

mzarna — Tue, 10 Feb 2026 09:30:14 GMT

xmasbaby0 — Thu, 25 Jan 2024 19:39:06 GMT

It is based on how much you earned from working, whether you have children as dependents--how many children -- your filing status...

Use the interactive assistant from the IRS site:

SharonD007 — Thu, 25 Jan 2024 19:45:55 GMT

For 2023, the EITC is based on the income you earned working in 2023. See the link “What is earned income?” to determine if you have earned income.

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 $11,000
Your income must be less than $63,398 (depends on your filing status and number of qualifying children)