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Returning Member
posted Jan 30, 2021 10:16:19 AM

If we recalculate my earned income credit using your 2019 earned income if it is greater than your 2020 earned income. Can we change it if it lower?

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2 Replies
Expert Alumni
Jan 30, 2021 10:33:59 AM

Yes.

 

Yes you can use 2019 earned income instead of 2020 income to compute the child tax credit.

 

To do this in TurboTax:

  • In Search, type earned income credit,
  • Click Jump to earned income credit,
  • Answer the questions until you reach Do you want to use last year’s earned income?
  • Click Yes and enter your 2019 Earned Income.

If your earned income was higher in 2019 than in 2020, you may get a higher EITC credit by using 2019 earned income. Try it both ways in TurboTax and see what works best for you.

Level 15
Jan 30, 2021 8:22:23 PM

If I'm reading your question correctly ... 

 

No, if your 2019 Earned Income was LOWER than your 2020 Earned Income, it is NOT an option to use the 2019 amount.