EITC Quick Check
The Earned Income Tax Credit is the IRS quietly handing back thousands of dollars to low- and moderate-income workers. ~20% of eligible people never claim it. 60 seconds to find out if you're one of them.
Most low/moderate-income workers file Single or Head of Household.
Wages, salary, tips, self-employment income. NOT unemployment, alimony, child support, or investment income.
Interest, dividends, capital gains, rental income. Must be under $11,600 (2024) or you're disqualified.
Estimated EITC for tax year 2024
$0
Enter your numbers above.
Max EITC at your filing/kids
$0
Income limit to qualify
$0
Status
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How to actually get it
File your taxes — even if you owe nothing or didn't earn enough to be required to file. If you don't file, you get $0. Use our Free Tax Filing Router to find a free option (IRS Free File, VITA in-person, Cash App Taxes — all $0). You have up to 3 years to claim a missed EITC by filing an amended return.
What can disqualify you
(1) Investment income above $11,600 (2024). (2) You file as "Married Filing Separately" (in most cases). (3) You're claimed as a dependent on someone else's return. (4) You don't have a valid SSN (ITIN doesn't qualify for EITC). (5) For workers with no qualifying children: you must be between 25 and 64. There are some 2024+ rules around no-kid claimants — verify with VITA if your situation is borderline.
State EITC bonuses
~30 states + DC add their own EITC on top of the federal one — usually 5%-50% of the federal amount. CA, NY, NJ, MA, MD, MN, DC are particularly generous. If you qualify federal, you almost certainly qualify state. Filing your federal return triggers most state ones automatically.