Open TurboTax

Why sign in to the Community?

  • Submit a question
  • Check your notifications
or and start working on your taxes
Announcements
Still need to file? Our experts can get your taxes done right. Get started >
Close icon
Do you have a TurboTax Online account?

We'll help you get started or pick up where you left off.

cancel
Showing results for 
Search instead for 
Did you mean: 
niffirg
Level 2

I received EIC on my 2019return. In 2020 I had no earned income, only $35,000 in unemployment benefits. I know I can use 2019 earned income to qualify for EIC in 2020

but it seems my $25,000 AGI (filed single with one dependent) in 2020 disqualifies me from using the 'look back rule' as it is too high to qualify for EIC.   Can I disregard my 2020 AGI and use my 2019 AGI to qualify for the EIC?
3 Replies
DoninGA
Level 15

I received EIC on my 2019return. In 2020 I had no earned income, only $35,000 in unemployment benefits. I know I can use 2019 earned income to qualify for EIC in 2020

Delete answer

DoninGA
Level 15

I received EIC on my 2019return. In 2020 I had no earned income, only $35,000 in unemployment benefits. I know I can use 2019 earned income to qualify for EIC in 2020



IRS Publication 596 page 18 - https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p596.pdf#page=18

 

Election to use prior year earned income.

You can elect to use your 2019 earned income to figure your 2020 earned income credit (EIC) if your 2019 earned income is more than your 2020 earned income.

AmeliesUncle
Level 13

I received EIC on my 2019return. In 2020 I had no earned income, only $35,000 in unemployment benefits. I know I can use 2019 earned income to qualify for EIC in 2020

No, you can not use 2019 AGI; you can only use 2019 "Earned Income".    If your 2020 AGI is too high to qualify for EIC, you don't qualify for EIC for 2020.

 

HOWEVER, you said your AGI is only $25,000.  That does not disqualify EIC for a Single person with 1 dependent.  Why do you think that disqualifies you?

message box icon

Get more help

Ask questions and learn more about your taxes and finances.

Post your Question
message box icon

Ready to start your taxes?

Hand off your taxes, get expert help, or do it yourself.

See Pricing
Manage cookies
v
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789-_~