U.S. Federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Introduction
The Earned Income Tax Credit, EITC or EIC, is a benefit for working people with low to moderate income. To qualify, you must meet certain requirements and file a tax return, even if you do not owe any tax or are not required to file. EITC reduces the amount of tax you owe and may give you a refund.
Those who qualify for EITC and claim the credits could pay less tax or even get a tax refund. The qualified amount is based on the earned income in tax year, filing status and number of qualifying children or dependents. People without qualifying children or dependents may also qualify for EITC.
To qualify for EITC, you must have earned income at least $1 from working for someone or from running or owning a business or farm in the tax year and meet basic requirements. You, your spouse and any qualifying child you list on your tax return must each have a Social Security number that is valid for employment and that was issued on or before the due date of your return (including extensions).Married taxpayers must file jointly to qualify for this benefit. Both your earned income and adjusted gross income (AGI) must be no more than:
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Filing Status
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Qualifying Children Claimed
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Zero
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One
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Two
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Three or more
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Single, Head of Household or Qualifying Widow(er)
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$15,570
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$41,094
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$46,703
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$50,162
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Married Filing Jointly
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$21,370
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$46,884
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$52,493
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$55,952
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You must file a Federal tax return in order to claim EITC. Even if you do not owe any tax or are not required to file taxes, you must file your tax return and claim EITC in order to ask for an EITC tax refund. You can get credit going back 3 years. It is not too late to file your tax returns for 2016, 2017, and 2018 and claim the earned income tax credit (EITC) if you were eligible. But you must file to claim it!
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