The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a refundable tax credit designed to assist low- to moderate-income working individuals and families. It provides financial support by reducing the amount of taxes owed and offering a refund to eligible taxpayers if the credit exceeds taxes owed.
It was first introduced in 1975 to provide financial assistance to individuals and families.
How does the EITC work?
EITC eligibility is based on earned income, family size, and filing status. The credit is calculated based on the taxpayer’s earned income, with higher credits going to those with lower incomes. The credit amount increases with earned income, reaching a maximum, and then gradually phases out as income exceeds certain thresholds.
Unlike most tax credits, the EITC is refundable, meaning that if the amount of the credit exceeds the individual’s tax liability, they will receive a refund for the difference.
Who is eligible for the EITC?
Eligibility for the EITC is determined based on earned income, filing status, and the number of qualifying children. To qualify, a taxpayer must have earned income from employment or self-employment. They must also meet certain income requirements, which vary depending on their filing status and number of qualifying children.
All individuals claiming the EITC must be between 25 and 64 years old and have a valid Social Security Number. Income thresholds vary each tax year. For 2024, they are
- $66,819 if Married Filing Jointly
- $59,899 if filing as an individual, surviving spouse, or Head of Household
What disqualifies you from the earned income credit?
Several factors can disqualify an individual from claiming the EITC, including:
- Investment Income: Taxpayers with too much investment income exceeding $3,650 for the tax year are ineligible for the EITC.
- Filing Status: Married individuals filing separately who do not have the qualifying child living with them are not eligible for the EITC—i.e., only one parent can claim the EITC.
- Lack of Social Security Number: Taxpayers, their spouses, and any qualifying children must all have valid Social Security Numbers to claim the credit.
- Foreign Income: Taxpayers with foreign-earned income exceeding the maximum exclusion amount are disqualified.
- Filing Requirement: Individuals filing Form 2555 (Foreign Earned Income) or Form 4563 (Exclusion of Income for Bona Fide Residents of American Samoa) cannot claim the EITC.
- Dependents: Taxpayers claimed as dependents on someone else’s tax return cannot claim the EITC.
- Disqualified Child: A child does not qualify if they fail to meet certain criteria, such as residency or age requirements.
Meeting any of these criteria can disqualify an individual from claiming the EITC. It’s crucial to review the eligibility requirements carefully to ensure compliance with IRS regulations.
How to claim the EITC
To claim the EITC, follow these steps:
- Determine Eligibility: Ensure you meet the income, filing status, and other eligibility requirements. Use IRS resources or consult a tax professional if needed.
- Prepare Your Tax Return: Complete your tax return using IRS Form 1040, 1040A, or 1040EZ. Include all relevant income, deductions, and credits.
- Calculate the Credit: Use the EITC Assistant tool on the IRS website or refer to the EITC tables in the instructions for your tax form to determine the credit amount based on your income and family size.
- Claim the Credit: Fill out the EITC section of your tax return. Provide the required information about yourself, your qualifying children, and your earned income.
- File Your Tax Return: Submit your tax return to the IRS through mail or electronically. Make sure to include any necessary documentation, such as Forms W-2 and 1099, to support your EITC claim.
- Wait for Processing: After filing your tax return, allow time for the IRS to process it. If you’re eligible for the EITC, the credit will be applied to your tax liability, potentially reducing the amount you owe or increasing your refund.
- Receive Refund: If the EITC results in a refund, you’ll receive it through direct deposit or a paper check, depending on the preference you indicated on your tax return.
Remember to keep accurate records of your income and expenses and any documentation related to your EITC claim in case the IRS requests verification. If you have questions or need assistance, consider consulting a tax professional or using IRS resources for guidance.
Benefits of the EITC
The primary benefit of the EITC is providing financial assistance to low-income workers and families. It can help lift individuals out of poverty, reduce income inequality, improve child well-being, enhance health outcomes, and support education and training.
In addition, studies have shown that the EITC has a positive impact on workforce participation, especially for single parents and individuals with disabilities. The credit also helps stimulate the economy by putting money into the hands of those likely to spend it.