How to check if you qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit

The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a federal tax credit for working Americans with low to moderate income. It can reduce the amount of tax you owe or increase your refund — in some cases by several thousand dollars. It is one of the largest anti-poverty programs in the US, yet millions of eligible workers do not claim it.

Who might qualify

You may qualify for the EITC if you have earned income from a job, self-employment or farming, and your income falls below the IRS thresholds. The credit increases with income up to a peak, then phases out. Workers without children can qualify, though the credit is larger for families with children.

How to check

• Use the IRS EITC Assistant at IRS.gov/eitc — it takes about five minutes
• You will need your filing status, number of qualifying children and approximate income
• VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) sites offer free tax prep and help claiming the EITC
• Find a VITA site near you at IRS.gov/vita

How much is the EITC worth

The credit amount depends on your income, filing status and number of qualifying children. For 2025, the maximum credit ranges from around $600 for workers without children to over $7,000 for families with three or more children. Check the current year tables at IRS.gov.

Claiming it

You must file a federal tax return to claim the EITC — even if your income is low enough that you would not otherwise be required to file. The IRS does not automatically apply it. Use the EITC Assistant to confirm eligibility and claim it on Form 1040.