IRS: Earned Income Tax Credit
Posted: February 16, 2024
Earned Income Tax Credit Eligibility Criteria
The following information about the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) eligibility criteria and maximum credit amounts is sourced from the official IRS website.
Always consult your tax professional.
Earned Income Tax Credit:
Basic Qualifying Rules
To qualify for the EITC, you must:
- Have worked and earned income under $63,398
- Have investment income below $11,000 in the tax year 2023
- Have a valid Social Security number by the due date of your 2023 return (including extensions)
- Be a U.S. citizen or a resident alien all year
- Not file Form 2555, Foreign Earned Income
- Meet certain rules if you are separated from your spouse and not filing a joint tax return
Tax Year 2023
Find the maximum AGI, investment income and credit amounts for tax year 2023.
|
Children or Relatives Claimed |
Filing as Single, Head of Household, or Widowed |
Filing as Married Filing Jointly |
|
Zero |
$17,640 |
$24,210 |
|
One |
$46,560 |
$53,120 |
|
Two |
$52,918 |
$59,478 |
|
Three |
$56,838 |
$63,398 |
Investment income limit: $11,000 or less
Maximum Credit Amounts
The maximum amount of credit:
- No qualifying children: $600
- 1 qualifying child: $3,995
- 2 qualifying children: $6,604
- 3 or more qualifying children: $7,43
Claim the EITC for prior years
You have three years to file and claim a refund from the due date of your tax return. If you were eligible, you can still claim the EITC for prior years:
- For 2022 if you file your tax return by April 18, 2026
- For 2021 if you file your tax return by April 18, 2025
- For 2020 if you file your tax return by May 17, 2024
If you need further assistance or have questions regarding your eligibility or tax matters, don’t hesitate to reach out to a qualified tax professional or contact the IRS directly for support.