How do I opt out of the earned income credit because it is going to take longer for the IRS to process my refund and I can't afford to wait another month?

You cannot "opt out" of the Earned Income Credit. If you qualify for it, it is automatically calculated and added to your refund. Even if you could remove it, the IRS would put it back. If you are due a refund you may qualify for a refund adbance. 

You are able to not claim the Earned Income Tax Credit by selecting the following:

 

• At the screen Let’s check for uncommon situation, select I got an IRS notice saying that I can’t claim the Earned Income Credit in 2023.

It is not recommended that you report incorrect information on your Federal 1040 tax return.

 

You would follow these steps:

 

• Down the left side of the screen, click Federal.
• Down the left side of the screen, click Deductions & credits.
• You may need to click See all tax breaks.
• Scroll down to You and Your Family, click on the dropdown menu.
• Click Start/Revisit to the right of Earned Income Credit.
• Continue to the screen Let’s check for uncommon situations. 

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