Can i file married filing jointly to get the earned income credit, if we have always filed married filing jointly??

[AndreaG · Accepted solution]

Yes, if your status in 2016 is that you are legally married, then you have the option of filing married filing jointly and claiming the earned income credit if you meet all of the requirements to claim the credit. Please refer to the following FAQ if you need any additional information about the earned income credit. https://ttlc.intuit.com/replies/3299933

[thelovelylenny]

Can we each claim 1 of our 2 children? or do they both need to be on one or the other? We each qualify with our income and 1 child.

[AndreaG]

To claim the earned income credit, you have to file jointly and when you file jointly, you are only filing one return for the two of you and then you claim both of the children on the return. If you were to file married filing separately, you would not be eligible to claim the earned income credit.Please refer to the following FAQ to learn about the advantages of filing married filing jointly. <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://ttlc.intuit.com/replies/3288477">https://ttlc.intuit.com/replies/3288477</a>