Turbo Tax won't calculate EIC based on 2020 income

[mimi45911951]

My 2019 earned income was $3507; 2020 was $6444. Turbo tax asks if 2020 more than 2019. When I answer yes it says I'm not eligible. Filing status HOH, 2 dependent children. If 2019 is higher than 2020 it would calculate. What's the problem?

[SweetieJean]

The EITC is calculated two ways:  (1) based one Earned Income, and (2) based on Adjusted Gross Income.  You then get the lower of the two.  Your AGI may be why you do not qualify for 2020.  Or perhaps your investment income is too high.

[HelenC12]

Perhaps you're not eligible to use your 2019 earned income because TurboTax selected the year that gives you the higher refund.

• Your Earned Income Credit (EIC) is higher using your 2020 earned income of $6,444 versus your 2019 earned income of $3,507. Please look up your income on the IRS EIC tables.

Additional information: What are the qualifications for the Earned Income Credit (EIC or EITC)?

[ltg]

@HelenC12 Where in Turbotax do I look up my earned income?

[MaryM428]

Your earned income is on Form 1040, Line 1 Wages, salaries, tips, etc.

To view your Form 1040:

• Tax Tools
• Tools
• View Tax Summary
• Then on the left panel, Preview 1040

[ltg]

@MaryM428 Thank you for your answer. My 1040, Line 1 is empty, and this is also for my 2019 tax return that I filed with no errors. Note that I had no W2 in 2019 nor in 2020. 

So, this means that my "earned income" is $0, correct?

[CatinaT1]

correct.

[Kali 81]

Thank you!

[Kali 81]

TT usually explains why you don't qualify and this one time it does not!