If your 2022 income was in the low to moderate range, you could be eligible for a tax break through the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). The EITC could reduce the taxes you owe and increase your refund.
To qualify for the EITC, you must:
- Have worked in 2022 and have an adjusted gross income (AGI) under $59,187.
AGI is your gross income minus adjustments. - Have investment income below $10,300 in the tax year 2022.
- Have a valid Social Security number by the due date of your 2022 return (including extensions).
- Be a S. citizen or a resident alien all year.
- Not file Form 2555, Foreign Earned Income.
- Meet certain rules if you are separated from your spouse and not filing a joint tax return.
Income Limits Vary with Dependent Children
If you have children in your household, your AGI limit will be:
- Three or more qualifying children
$53,057, or $59,187 if married filing jointly - Two qualifying children
$49,399, or $55,529 if married filing jointly - One qualifying child
$43,492, or $49,622 if married filing jointly - No qualifying children
$16,480, or $22,610 if married filing jointly
Even if you do not have children, you can still qualify for the EITC if you are between the ages of 25 and 65 and meet the income guidelines.
Check Your Eligibility
Use the IRS’s EITC Assistant Tool to check your eligibility for the EITC.
Important to Know
Any refund you receive because of the EITC cannot be counted as income for benefit programs such as Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), FoodShare benefits, and low-income housing.
The refund will also be excluded as an asset or resource for at least 12 months after you receive it.
Get Free Help With Your Taxes
Free help with filing your tax return is available through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program. To find the nearest VITA site in your community visit the IRS website or call 1-800-906-9887.