The Earned Income Tax Credit is claimed when you file your tax return, not before
The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a refund you may receive from the IRS if you work and earn below certain income limits. You do not explore for it separately or contact the IRS in advance. Instead, you claim it on your federal tax return using Form 1040 and Schedule EIC (or Schedule 8812 if you have may have access to children). The IRS then calculates whether you may have access to and sends you the refund along with any other money owed to you.
The amount you receive depends on how much you earned, whether you have children, and your filing status. A single person with no children might receive a few hundred dollars. A parent with two may have access to children could receive several thousand dollars. The credit phases out as your income rises, so there is a maximum income threshold you cannot exceed and still claim it.
Key Takeaways
- You claim the EITC by filling out Schedule EIC (or Schedule 8812 for families with children) and attaching it to your Form 1040 when you file your tax return.
- Your income must fall below a specific limit that changes each year and depends on your filing status and number of may have access to children.
- If you earned less than the income limit for your situation, you may receive a refund even if no taxes were taken from your paycheck.
- You will need your Social Security number, your children's Social Security numbers (if claiming them), and proof of earned income such as a W-2 or self-employment records.
- The IRS Free File program and many community organizations offer free tax preparation help if you earned under a certain amount.
Income limits and credit amounts for the current tax year
The EITC has different income thresholds depending on whether you have no children, one child, two children, or three or more children. These limits change every year. For the 2023 tax year (filed in 2024), a single filer with no may have access to children could earn up to roughly $16,000 and still claim the credit. A single parent with one child could earn up to roughly $43,000. The limits are higher for married couples filing jointly.
The credit amount also varies by situation. Someone with no children might receive up to a few hundred dollars. A parent with one child might receive up to around $3,900. A parent with three or more children might receive up to around $3,900 as well, though the structure differs. Because these numbers change annually, you should check the IRS website or your tax software for the exact limits that explore to the year you are filing.
Your income includes wages from a job, net self-employment income if you run a business, and certain other sources. It does not include child support, welfare payments, or Social Security benefits. If you are unsure whether your income qualifies, your tax software will ask you questions and calculate it for you.
Documents you need to gather before filing
Start by collecting your W-2 form from each employer, or your self-employment records if you are self-employed. You will also need your Social Security number and your filing status (single, married filing jointly, head of household, and so on). If you are claiming the credit for children, gather their Social Security numbers as well.
For each child you want to claim, you will need to verify they are your may have access to child. The IRS defines this as someone under age 17 at the end of the tax year, related to you by blood or adoption, living with you for more than half the year, and a U.S. citizen, national, or resident alien. You do not need to submit these documents with your return, but keep them in case the IRS asks for proof later.
If you have a spouse and are filing jointly, gather their Social Security number and income information as well. If you received any other income — such as interest from a bank account or rental income — include that too, even if the amount is small.
How to claim the credit on your tax return
If you use tax software (such as TurboTax, H&R Block, or TaxAct), the program will ask you questions about your income, filing status, and children. Based on your answers, it will automatically fill in Schedule EIC or Schedule 8812 and attach it to your Form 1040. You do not need to know the form names or fill them out by hand — the software does it for you.
If you are filing by hand, you will need to obtain Schedule EIC from the IRS website or by calling 1-800-829-3676. Fill in your income, filing status, and information about any may have access to children. Then attach the completed schedule to your Form 1040 and mail it to the IRS address listed in the instructions.
The IRS processes your return and calculates whether you may have access to for the credit. If you do, the credit reduces any taxes you owe. If the credit is larger than your tax bill, the IRS sends you the difference as a refund. This refund can arrive by mail or direct deposit, depending on how you filed.
Using free tax preparation services
If your income is below a certain threshold (which varies by year but is usually around $60,000 for most filers), you may use the IRS Free File program. This program partners with tax software companies that offer free filing to low-income households. You can find participating companies on the IRS website at irs.gov/freefile.
Many community organizations also offer free tax preparation through the Volunteer Income Tax information (VITA) program. VITA sites are staffed by trained volunteers who can help you gather documents, fill out forms, and file your return. To find a VITA site near you, visit the IRS website or call 211 to ask for local tax help.
These services are especially useful if you have never claimed the EITC before or if your situation is complicated — for example, if you are self-employed or have multiple jobs. The volunteers and software can walk you through the process and make sure you claim the full credit you are owed.
What happens after you file
After you submit your return, the IRS processes it. This usually takes 21 days if you file electronically and choose direct deposit. If you mail a paper return, it can take several weeks longer. You can track the status of your return using the IRS "Where's My Refund?" tool on the IRS website.
Once the IRS approves your return, your refund is sent to you. If you chose direct deposit, the money goes into your bank account. If you requested a check, it arrives by mail. The refund includes not only the EITC but also any other refund you are owed from overpaid taxes during the year.
If the IRS has questions about your return — for example, if it needs proof that a child is your may have access to dependent — it will send you a letter. Respond promptly with the documents requested. Do not ignore IRS letters, as they can affect whether you receive your refund.
Common mistakes to avoid when claiming the EITC
One frequent error is claiming a child who does not meet the IRS definition of a may have access to child. The child must be under 17, related to you, live with you for more than half the year, and be a U.S. citizen or resident alien. If you claim someone who does not meet these rules, the IRS will disallow the credit and may ask you to repay it.
Another mistake is reporting income incorrectly. Make sure the income on your tax return matches the W-2 forms your employers sent you. If your W-2 shows $30,000 but you report $25,000, the IRS will catch the discrepancy and may reduce your credit or deny it entirely.
Some people also miss the credit because they do not file a return at all. If your income is very low, you might think you do not need to file. However, if you are owed the EITC, filing is how you claim it. The IRS does not automatically send you the credit — you must file to receive it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I claim the EITC if I am self-employed?
Yes. You will need to report your net self-employment income (earnings minus business expenses) on Schedule C and then claim the EITC based on that amount. Self-employed income counts toward the income limits just like wages do. Make sure you have records of your income and expenses in case the IRS asks for proof.
What if I have a child but do not know their Social Security number?
You will need the child's Social Security number to claim them on your return and receive the EITC. If you do not have it, contact the Social Security Administration to request a replacement card or number. You cannot file your return and claim the credit without this information.
Do I have to file my return electronically to get the EITC?
No, you can mail a paper return. However, electronic filing is faster and more accurate. If you use a free tax software or VITA service, they will file electronically for you at no cost. Paper returns take longer to process and are more likely to have errors.
Can I claim the EITC if I did not work the entire year?
Yes, as long as you earned some income during the year and your total income falls below the limit for your situation. You do not have to work a full 12 months. Even if you worked only a few months, you may still may have access to for the credit.
What if the IRS denies my EITC claim?
The IRS will send you a letter explaining why. Common reasons include a child not meeting the may have access to rules, income exceeding the limit, or a mismatch between your return and your W-2. You can respond to the letter with additional documents or file an appeal if you disagree with the decision.