EIC - 1040, ln 27a - Should box be checked? I'm 21 and qualify to claim EIC? TT does not check it. IRS revised the question so it's for more than 18 yo foster children.

[hurschel22]

This question was originally written, I think, to identify former foster youth but not seems more generally to ask filers to identify themselves if they are between 18 and 24 and qualify, to reflect the new EIC rules for 2021.

[Vanessa A]

Yes, if you meet one of the qualifiers to claim the EITC, then box 27a should have a check mark.  

To get a check mark in this box, as you walk through the interview questions, you will be asked "Are you currently homeless or at risk of homelessness, or a qualified former foster youth".  When you answer yes here, box 27a will be checked. 

[hurschel22]

Thank you! But if I'm not homeless or a foster youth, but simply meet that (newly expanded for 2021 only) age range and otherwise qualify, then the box should not be checked? I appreciate your help.

[RaifH]

Yes, the box should be checked. This year, taxpayers age 19-23 are eligible for the Earned Income Credit as long as they are not full-time students. Homeless or foster youths qualify at age 18. Your situation is kind of lumped in with theirs on that box, which anyone who is under 24 checks if they are eligible for the credit. 

[hurschel22]

Thank you. Checking the box makes sense to me, given the language of the instructions. However, from viewing a 1040 Preview, it looks as though TurboTax did not check that box for me, even though I answered the questions consistently and TT says I qualify for the EIC. I may have done something wrong, or this may be a bug. Again, thank you both for your help.

[JulieS]

No, you didn't do anything wrong. In spite of the way the question is worded on the 1040 form, this check box only applies to former foster youth and not to other taxpayers between 18 and 24 who qualify for the credit. 

Here is the IRS instruction for this check box:

"Line 27a checkbox. A qualified former foster youth must consent for entities who administer a plan under part B or part E of title IV of the Social Security Act to disclose information related to their status as a qualified former foster youth. This consent is given by checking the box on line 27a. Qualified homeless youth are required to certify that they are unaccompanied, homeless or at risk of homelessness, and self-supporting by checking the box on line 27a."