Taxbee | Tax & Accounting ServicesThe Earned Income Credit (or EIC) is a refundable credit for lower income taxpayers who have earned income like wages, tips, or self-employment income.
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