Earned income tax credit basics: How the EITC works and who qualifies (2024)

FAQs

Earned income tax credit basics: How the EITC works and who qualifies? ›

To qualify, you have to have worked in the year for which you're claiming the credit, earned at least $1, and your income must be below a certain threshold. The earned income credit is a refundable tax credit.

The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a refundable tax credit that boosts the income of eligible low-income workers, especially those with children. Because the credit is refundable, an EITC recipient need not owe income taxes to receive the benefit.

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)

You're at least 18 years old or have a qualifying child. Have earned income of at least $1.00 and not more that $30,950. Have a valid Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) for you, your spouse, and any qualifying children. Live in California for more than half the filing year.

If your adjusted gross income is greater than your earned income your Earned Income Credit is calculated with your adjusted gross income and compared to the amount you would have received with your earned income. The lower of these two calculated amounts is your Earned Income Credit.

If you received more than $11,000 in investment income or income from rentals, royalties, or stock and other asset sales during 2023, you can't qualify for the EIC. This amount increases to $11,600 in 2024. You have to be 25 or older but under 65 to qualify for the EIC.

You may be eligible for a California Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC) up to $3,529 for tax year 2023 as a working family or individual earning up to $30,950 per year. You must claim the credit on the 2023 FTB 3514 form, California Earned Income Tax Credit, or if you e-file follow your software's instructions.

You can't claim the EIC unless your investment income is $11,000 or less. If your investment income is more than $11,000, you can't claim the credit. Use Worksheet 1 in this chapter to figure your investment income.

The most common reasons people don't qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit, or EIC, are as follows: Their AGI, earned income, and/or investment income is too high. They have no earned income. They're using Married Filing Separately.

Relationship – They must be the taxpayer's child or stepchild (whether by blood or adoption), foster child, sibling or step-sibling, or a descendant of any of them. Residence – Has the same principal residence as the taxpayer in California for more than half the tax year.

What qualifies as earned income? ›

For the year you are filing, earned income includes all income from employment, but only if it is includable in gross income. Examples of earned income are: wages; salaries; tips; and other taxable employee compensation. Earned income also includes net earnings from self-employment.

If you file as Married/Registered Domestic Partner (RDP) and you file separately, you cannot qualify for EITC unless you had a qualifying child who lived with you for more than half of 2023 and either of the following applies: You lived apart from your spouse/RDP for the last 6 months of 2023, or.

The child tax credit is a credit for having dependent children younger than age 17. The Earned Income Credit (EIC) is a credit for certain lower-income taxpayers, with or without children. If you're eligible, you can claim both credits. Learn more about the 2023 Child Tax Credit.

The earned income tax credit (EITC) is a refundable tax credit that helps certain U.S. taxpayers with low earnings by reducing the amount of tax owed on a dollar-for-dollar basis.

In general, the less you earn, the larger the credit. Families with children often qualify for the largest credits.

To calculate the value of your EITC, you can use the Earned Income Credit Worksheet in your IRS Form 1040 instruction booklet. If you have a qualifying child, be sure to attach a Schedule EIC.

How can we help? If you claimed the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or the Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC), the IRS shows your refund will be released mid-February. Refunds should be available in your account by the first week of March if you chose direct deposit and there are no other issues with your tax return.

The Federal and California Earned Income Tax Credits (EITCs) are special tax breaks for people who work part time or full time. This means extra cash in your pocket. If you have work income, you can file and claim your EITC refunds, even if you don't owe any income tax.

The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) helps low- to moderate-income workers and families get a tax break. If you qualify, you can use the credit to reduce the taxes you owe – and maybe increase your refund. Did you receive a letter from the IRS about the EITC? Find out what to do.

Source: IRS Revenue Procedure 2022-38 and Internal Revenue Code §32. The EITC is provided to individuals and families once a year, in a lump-sum payment after individuals and families file their federal income tax returns. Like all tax credits, the EITC can reduce income tax liability.