Eligibility to claim Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)

Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)

The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a refundable tax credit for low to moderate income working individuals and families. Taxpayers who earned less than $50,270 in 2012 may qualify for EITC.

The threshold amounts for 2012 tax returns follow:

$45,060 ($50,270 married filing jointly) with three or more qualifying children
$41,952 ($47,162 married filing jointly) with two qualifying children
$36,920 ($42,130 married filing jointly) with one qualifying child
$13,980 ($19,190 married filing jointly) with no qualifying children

Use the IRS.gov EITC Assistant to see if you qualify. Taxpayers must file a federal income tax return, even if they are not required to file, and claim the credit to receive it. Some states have a similar credit. For additional information about the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), search IRS.gov for EITC Questions and Answers.