EITC — Earned Income Tax Credit
A refundable tax credit for workers with low to moderate income. Many people receive it as a tax refund of up to $7,830.
2025 tax year (filed 2026) maximum credits
Children claimedMax creditIncome limit (single)
0$632$18,591
1$4,213$49,084
2$6,960$55,768
3 or more$7,830$59,899
Limits are higher for married filing jointly. Investment income must be under $11,600. Source: IRS 2025 EITC tables.
Who qualifies
- You must have earned income from a job or self-employment
- Income and investment income must be below the limits above
- You (and your children) must have valid Social Security numbers
- You must be a US citizen or resident alien all year
- For workers without children: you must be aged 25–64
How to claim it
Claim the EITC when you file your federal tax return using Schedule EIC (for those with qualifying children). Free filing options: IRS Free File at irs.gov/freefile, or free in-person help from VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) sites — look up yours at irs.gov/vita.
Don't leave money on the table
About 1 in 5 eligible workers does not claim the EITC. If you worked and earned under ~$60,000, check if you qualify.
EITC at IRS.gov