Don’t I qualify for the EIC this year?

[MayaD]

To qualify for the Earned Income Credit you must:

• 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 $3,600; 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:

• $15,570 if you're not claiming a qualifying child ($21,370 if filing jointly);
• $41,094 if you're claiming 1 qualifying child ($46,884 if filing jointly);
• $46,703 if you're claiming 2 qualifying children ($52,493 if filing jointly);
• $50,162 if you're claiming 3+ qualifying children ($55,952 if filing jointly).

One more thing — if you're not claiming a qualifying child:

• You (or your jointly filing spouse) must have been born on or after January 1, 1955; and
• You (or your jointly filing spouse) must have been born on or before December 31, 1994; and
• You (and your jointly filing spouse) cannot be claimed as a qualifying child or dependent on anyone else's return.