Why am I not receiving the Earned Income Credit (EIC) on my tax return?

Do you have earned income? In order to qualify for the EIC, you must have some earned income, such as wages or self-employment income.

Do you have investment income over $11,950? If your investment income is over $11,950, then you will not qualify for the EIC.

Did you have a child live with you for more than 6 months last year? On the Additional Dependent Information screen where it asks the number of months your child lived with you, if you selected less than 6 months, you will not qualify for the Earned Income Credit for that child.

Another common reason for not qualifying for the EIC is if you have no qualifying children for the EIC and if you are younger than 25 or older than 64.

Also double check how you answered the four Earned Income Credit (EIC) questions.

1. The first question asks if you and your spouse (if married) have valid Social Security numbers. The default answer is Yes. If you choose No, the EIC is not allowed.
2. The second question asks if your home was in the United States for more than half the year last year. The default answer is Yes. If you choose No, the EIC is not allowed.
3. The third question asks if the IRS has sent you a notice saying that you cannot claim the EIC in 2025. The default answer is No. If you choose Yes, the EIC is not allowed.
4. The fourth question asks if you were a nonresident alien for any part of 2025. The default is No. If you choose Yes, the EIC is not allowed.