I just wanted to know the difference between the Earned Income Credit (EIC) and the Child Tax Credit?

[daniellesmith059]

Hi, I just wanted to know the difference between the Earned Income Credit (EIC) and the Child Tax Credit? I just filed and was qualified for the EIC however, I did NOT claim my child as a dependent as the child's father will be claiming her. Just wondering if one parent can get the EIC while the other gets the Child Tax Credit?

[macuser_22 · Accepted solution]

Yes.  In the case of divorced or separated parents that live apart, the parent that lives with the child (custodial parent) can claim the EIC, Child Care Credit and Head of Household filing status (if otherwise qualified), and the parent that did not live with the child (non-custodial parent) can claim the child's exemption (dependent) and the child tax credit.