The Earned Income Credit (EIC) is a refundable tax credit for low- to moderate-income working individuals and couples, particularly those with children. The amount of EITC benefit depends on a recipient's income and number of children.
To qualify for the EIC:
- Have earned income; and
- Have been a U.S. citizen or resident alien for the entire tax year; and
- Have a valid Social Security number (not an ITIN) for yourself, your spouse (if filing jointly), and any qualifying children on your return; and
- Not have investment income exceeding $3,600; and
- Not be filing a Form 2555 or 2555-EZ; and
- File a return with the Single, Married Filing Jointly, Head of Household, or Qualifying Widower filing status, even if you're not required to file a return.
In addition, both your earned income and Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) may not exceed:
- $15,570 if you're not claiming a qualifying child ($21,370 if filing jointly);
- $41,094 if you're claiming 1 qualifying child $46,884 if filing jointly);
- $46,703 if you're claiming 2 qualifying children ($52,493 if filing jointly);
- $50,162 if you're claiming 3+ qualifying children ($55,952 if filing jointly).
If you're not claiming a qualifying child:
- You (or your jointly filing spouse) must have been born on or after January 1, 1955; and
- You (or your jointly filing spouse) must have been born on or before December 31, 1994; and
- You (and your jointly filing spouse) cannot be claimed as a qualifying child or dependent on anyone else's return.
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