Do I qualify for the Earned Income Credit (EIC)?

There are a number of factors that determine if you qualify for the Earned Income Credit. The easiest way to see if you qualify is to start a tax return using our free software. If you qualify, the credit will be added to your refund and be included in your tax return. Here is a summary of the requirements:

All taxpayers must meet the following requirements:

• Have earned income
• Have a valid Social Security number (including your spouse if married)
• Live in the United States for more than half of 2025

All taxpayers must NOT:

• Have received an IRS notice telling you you can't claim the EIC in 2025
• Have investment income over $11,950
• Be nonresident alien for any part of 2025
• Be a qualifying person of another taxpayer in 2025

If you have a child, the qualifying child must have lived with you for more than half the year.

To qualify if you don't have a qualifying child, you must:

• Have at least some earned income.
• Be at least 25 years old on January 1, 2026 and no older than 64 on December 31, 2026.
• Not be able to be claimed as a dependent on someone else's return.

Earned Income and adjusted gross income (AGI) must each be less than:

• $61,555 ($68,675 if married filing jointly) with three or more qualifying children;
• $57,310 ($64,430 if married filing jointly) with two qualifying children;
• $50,434 ($57,554 if married filing jointly) with one qualifying child.
• $19,104 ($26,214 if married filing jointly) with no qualifying children