Tax Year Prior to 2020: How do i know if i qualify for earned income credit?

[KarenL2]

The following should help:

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

https://ttlc.intuit.com/replies/3299933

The EIC (Earned Income Credit) is a range based on the amount of earned income you have, your filing status, and the number of qualifying children you have.  If you earn too little or too much, the amount you receive for the credit is scaled based on that amount.  Most taxpayers who qualify for the credit will not receive the full amount.

You can read more about the income ranges for your filing status and number of qualifying children below.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/replies/3299933 

Also see this for income ranges and amounts of the credit:  2016 EIC Table