Illinois earned income credit and child tax credit
State tax credits for working people with low income, plus an extra credit for families with young children, which can mean a refund even if you owe no tax.
Apply on the official site ↗Goes to Tax.illinois.gov. Applying is free.
Who generally qualifies
Illinois residents who qualify for the federal EITC, and some ITIN filers and workers 18 to 24 or 65 and older.
Exact income limits and rules are set by Illinois Department of Revenue and can change. Check the official site for current details.
How to apply
- File an Illinois tax return.
- Claim the credits on Schedule IL-E/EIC.
What to have ready
- W-2s or self-employment records
- Social Security numbers or ITINs
- Children's information
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?
- Illinois Department of Revenue 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 Tax.illinois.gov for the latest details.
Added October 21, 2026. BenefitSearch is not affiliated with Illinois Department of Revenue.