Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
Refundable tax credit for low- and moderate-income workers.
About This Program
The Earned Income Tax Credit is a refundable tax credit for people who work and have income below certain limits. Refundable means if the credit is larger than your total tax bill, you receive the difference as a cash refund — even if you owe zero in taxes. For a family with three or more children, the 2024 maximum credit is $7,830. Workers without children can receive up to $632. The credit is calculated as a percentage of earned income, increases as income rises to a peak, then phases out gradually. The phase-in and phaseout rates depend on how many qualifying children you have. The credit is largest for families with children but is available to single workers and couples without children as well, as long as they are between 25 and 64 (for the childless credit). You claim the EITC on your federal tax return — it is not a separate application. If you did not claim the EITC in a prior year when you were eligible, you can file an amended return (Form 1040-X) to claim it retroactively for up to three prior years. The IRS estimates that one in five eligible workers does not claim the credit each year, often because they did not file a return or did not know they qualified. Many states also have their own EITC that layers on top of the federal credit, ranging from 5% to 70% of the federal amount. Free tax preparation through IRS VITA sites and AARP Tax-Aide can identify every credit you qualify for at no charge.
Eligibility Requirements
| Income | Earned income below $59,899 (single filer with 3 children) |
| Other | Must file a tax return |
| Other | Must have earned income from work |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum EITC for 2024?
For tax year 2024: $632 (no children), $4,213 (1 qualifying child), $6,960 (2 children), $7,830 (3+ children). For married filing jointly, the income phaseout begins at a higher level. These are maximums — the actual credit depends on your earned income and filing status.
Can I claim the EITC if I'm self-employed?
Yes. Net self-employment income counts as earned income for the EITC. Report all self-employment income on Schedule C and Schedule SE. Expenses reduce your net self-employment income, which affects both EITC and self-employment tax. Under-reporting self-employment income to boost the EITC is considered fraud.
What if I have investment income?
Investment income must be $11,600 or below (2024) to qualify for the EITC. If your investment income exceeds this threshold, you cannot receive the EITC regardless of your earned income level. Investment income includes capital gains, interest, dividends, and rental income.
Why is my EITC refund delayed until mid-February?
By law (the PATH Act), the IRS cannot issue refunds claiming the EITC or Additional Child Tax Credit before mid-February. This applies even if you file on January 2. The delay is designed to allow time to verify claims and prevent fraud. After mid-February, refunds typically arrive within 21 days for e-filed returns with direct deposit.
I didn't claim the EITC last year. Can I still get it?
Yes. You can file an amended return (Form 1040-X) to claim a missed EITC for up to 3 years after the original deadline. For example, in 2025 you can amend returns for 2024, 2023, and 2022. The refund plus interest will be paid. You cannot amend returns older than 3 years.
Related Programs
Child Tax Credit
Up to $2,000 per child under 17 in tax credits.
SNAP (Food Stamps)
Monthly grocery benefits for low-income households.
TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families)
Monthly cash assistance and supportive services for low-income families with children.
Saver's Credit (Retirement Savings Contributions Credit)
Tax credit for low- and moderate-income workers who contribute to a retirement account.
Eligibility requirements may have changed. Verify at the official source before applying.
Benefit Amount
Up to $7,830 (2024, 3+ children)
Application Guide
How to Apply for Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) →Category
Tax CreditsLast reviewed: May 2025