The most common reasons people don't qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit, or EIC, are as follows:
- Their AGI, earned income, and/or investment income is too high
- They have no earned income
- They're using Married Filing Separately
- Their dependent doesn't meet the qualifying child criteria (if claiming one)
- They're too young or too old (if not claiming a qualifying child)
In addition, there are several other qualifications that must be met in order to qualify for EIC. The full list of these qualifications can be found here.