You work. Let the Earned Income Tax Credit work for you!
Over the last 40 years, Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) made life better for millions of workers. You may have extra money waiting for you. If you qualify and claim the credit, it could be several thousand dollars from the IRS for some workers.
Don’t be the one in five that misses this credit!
The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) helps low- to moderate-income workers and families get a tax break. If you qualify, you can use the credit to reduce the taxes you owe – and maybe increase your refund.
Who Qualifies
You may claim the EITC if your income is low to moderate. The amount of your credit may change if you have children, dependents, are disabled or meet other criteria.
Military and clergy should review the Special EITC Rules because using this credit may affect other government benefits.
If you claim this credit, your refund may be delayed. By law, the IRS must wait until mid-February to issue refunds to taxpayers who claim the Earned Income Tax Credit.
Still not sure if you qualify for the EITC? These resources may help:
- Basic EITC qualifications
- Earned income
- Income limits and credit tables
- Rules for qualifying children
- Disability and the Earned Income Tax Credit
- Publication 5334, Do I Qualify for EITC?
How to Claim this Credit
Get instructions on how to claim the EITC for past tax years.
Find information on:
- How to avoid common errors
- What to do if we audit your claim
- What to do if we deny your claim
- How to claim the credit if we denied it in the past
Other Credits You May Qualify For
If you qualify for the EITC, you may also qualify for other tax credits.
- Advance Child Tax Credit Payments
- Child Tax Credit and the Credit for Other Dependents
- Child and Dependent Care Credit
- Education Credits
- Recovery Rebate Credit
Election to use prior-year earned income
You can elect to use your 2019 earned income to figure your 2021 earned income credit (EIC) if your 2019 earned income is more than your 2021 earned income.
