Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)

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.

Did you receive a letter from the IRS about the EITC? Find out what to do.

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 our Special EITC Rules because using this credit may affect other government benefits.

If you claim this credit, your refund may be delayed. By law, we 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

How to claim this credit

Get instructions on how to claim the EITC for past tax years.

Information if we audit or deny your claim:

• 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.

• Child Tax Credit and the Credit for Other Dependents
• Child and Dependent Care Credit
• Education Credits

Resources

• About the Earned Income Credit (EIC)
• EITC Reports and Statistics
• Free tax preparation help
• Choose a tax professional
  • Find out what you need to bring to your preparer

  EITC Central has tools and information for IRS partners, community organizations, employers, government agencies and offices and tax preparers.