Need help with filing taxes earned in a work release center in Florida.

[bigjames1982]

I was in prison in 2023 and got sent to a work release center, got a job and paid federal taxes in the amount of 453 dollars( I was only there a month). So when I got out I filed my taxes and have been waiting on my return for 2 months, got a letter from IRS and it says the money I made doesn't qualify for earned income credit. Did I click something wrong, I don't understand how I paid federal taxes and are they not going to recognize any income while locked up or just earned income credit. Any help or information is beneficial to me as I'm not hip with taxes, I pay TurboTax and always get my return till this year. Thank you in advance 

[Critter-3]

Yes you made an error ... after you entered the W-2 you did not click the box for ...

"Inmate or lived in a halfway house" which would have blocked you from getting the EIC... the IRS caught and

corrected this error for you. 

[taxlady28]

I believe that you were told that by mistake.  Money made while incarcerated does not count as earned income, but money earned in a work release program does.  Call the IRS and get it straightened out.  TurboTax cannot do that.

[Critter-3]

Work release and half way houses are considered still being in prison for the EIC.