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

[niffirg]

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?

[DoninGA]

Delete answer

[DoninGA]

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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]

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?