Earned Income Credit

[Sugarplum00]

If I’m the only income supporting my family, why don’t I qualify to receive Earned Income Credit?  

[xmasbaby0]

Please provide some details.   We cannot see your tax return, and we do not know anything about your family situation.   

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-e...

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

Look at your 2022 Form 1040 to see the child-related credits you received

PREVIEW 1040

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1901539-how-do-i-preview-my-turbotax-online-return-before-filing

Child Tax Credit line 19

Credit for Other Dependents line 19

Earned Income Credit line 27

Additional Child Tax Credit line 28

[ErnieS0]

You may have made too much money. Have you received the earned income tax credit in the past?

Here are the income ranges for 2022

[Sugarplum00]

Yes, I’ve always received it. And like I said, I am the only one bringing any income in to support my family. Their dad doesn’t work

[JamesG1]

It is hard to know without seeing the details on your tax return.  The most likely answer is that your income has increased beyond the eligible range.

First, you must have earned income.  The IRS defines earned income as:

• Taxable income you earned as an employee, such as wages, salaries, commissions, and tips,
• Profits from operating your business or farm,
• Long-term disability pay if received before the minimum retirement age,
• Union strike benefits.

Here are the requirements to qualify for the Earned Income Credit:

• Have earned income; and
• Have been a U.S. citizen or resident alien for the entire tax year; and
• Have a valid Social Security number (not an ITIN) for yourself, your spouse (if filing jointly), and any qualifying children on your return; and
• Not have investment income exceeding $10,300; and
• Not be filing a Form 2555 or 2555-EZ; and
• File a return with the Single, Married Filing Jointly, Head of Household, or Qualifying Widower 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:

• $16,480 if you're not claiming a qualifying child ($22,610 if filing jointly)
• $43,492 if you're claiming 1 qualifying child ($49,622 if filing jointly)
• $49,399 if you're claiming 2 qualifying children ($55,529 if filing jointly)
• $53,057 if you're claiming 3+ qualifying children ($59,187 if filing jointly)

The tests for a qualifying child are:

• Relationship: Must be your child, adopted child, foster child, brother or sister, or a descendant of one of these (grand or nephew).
• Residence: Must have the same residence for more than half the year.
• Age: Must be under age 19 or under 24 and a full-time student for at least 5 months. They can be any age if they are totally and permanently disabled.
• Support: Must not have provided more than half of their own support during the year.
• Joint Support: The child cannot file a joint return for the year.

If you are not claiming a qualifying child:

You (and your jointly filing spouse) cannot be claimed as a qualifying child or dependent on anyone else’s return, and 

• You must be at least 18 if you are a qualified former foster youth or a qualified homeless youth, regardless of whether or not you are a specified student
• You must be at least age 19 if you aren't a specified student, qualified former foster youth, or qualified homeless youth
• You must be at least age 24 if you are a specified student, unless you are a qualified former foster youth, or qualified homeless youth

Adjusted gross income (AGI) can be found on line 11 of the 2022 IRS 1040 form.

 

TurboTax software will ask you simple questions and give you the tax deductions and credits for which you are eligible based upon your answers.

See also this TurboTax Help.

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

@Sugarplum00

[Sugarplum00]

I qualify 100%, however due to the limit for 1 dependent and married filing jointly, apparently I make too much. Who and how is that amount that has been chosen?  It makes no sense whatsoever, seeing as I’m struggling to make ends meet because I am the only one supporting not only myself but my daughter and my husband who doesn’t work & who has heart failure. I am at a loss how this is possible. 
However, I appreciate your input.