Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
A tax credit that can mean a refund of several thousand dollars, even if you owe no tax.
How much people receive
Maximum$8,046with 3 or more children, tax year 2025
Average$2,894average credit, tax year 2024
Source: IRS. Your amount depends on your income, household and situation, and many people receive less than the maximum.
Goes to IRS.gov. Applying is free.
Who generally qualifies
Workers with low to moderate income; the credit is largest for families with children.
Exact income limits and rules are set by Internal Revenue Service and can change. Check the official site for current details.
How to apply
- Claim it when you file your federal tax return.
- Use the IRS EITC Assistant to check eligibility.
What to have ready
- W-2s or 1099s
- Social Security numbers for everyone claimed
Common questions
- Does it cost anything to apply?
- No. Applying through the official site is free. Be wary of anyone who charges a fee to apply for you.
- Do I have to pay it back?
- No. This is free money that does not need to be paid back, as long as the information you give is accurate.
- Who decides if I qualify?
- Internal Revenue Service makes the final decision. This page explains the program in general terms only.
- Where can I find current income limits and amounts?
- Income limits, benefit amounts and deadlines change, so check IRS.gov for the latest details.
Link checked October 22, 2026. BenefitSearch is not affiliated with Internal Revenue Service.