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What is the EITC, and how can it help me?

The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is for people who work and meet certain income guidelines. You may get money back when you file your taxes and keep more of what you earned. It can make a big difference!

Learn more details and file for tax credits at a free tax assistance site near you. There are about 200 in Massachusetts open during tax season. You may even get credits for the last two years.

How much money can I get back?

Your EITC check depends mainly on your family size and income.

If your family has	And you earned less than	Then you can get up to
No “qualifying children”	$12,120	$412
One qualifying child	$32,001	$2747
Two or more qualifying children	$36,348	$4537

Note: Alimony and child support payments do not count towards income.

A “qualifying child” can be your...

• Biological or adopted child
• Stepchild
• Foster child
• Brother or sister
• Stepbrother or stepsister

... or the children of any of these people.

A "child" must be under 19 unless they are a full-time student or have a disability.

How do I know if I qualify for EITC?

• You must have worked and earned income
• You must have a valid Social Security number
• You cannot be counted as a "child" by someone else

There are more rules about age, citizenship, and non-earned/foreign income. A free tax preparer can explain these.

What if I don’t owe any tax?

No problem. You can still get the tax credits.

Will the EITC affect my benefits?

In Massachusetts, getting the EITC and the state tax credit EIC will not affect your eligibility for Medicaid, SSI, food stamps, low-income housing, or TAFDC. (EITC does not count as income in determining eligibility for these benefits.)

Some families can get a child care tax credit (CTC) too!

Your family may qualify for the CTC, which may reduce your tax by as much as $1000 for each qualifying child.

Extra state benefit

When you qualify for the federal EITC, you automatically qualify for a Massachusetts tax credit (EIC) that will give you an extra 15% of your EITC check. $2500 turns into $2875!

I’m convinced. Where can I file?

You can go to a free tax assistance site. These sites have trained volunteers who will check your eligibility and then help you fill out your tax forms. To find a free tax site near you:

• Contact your DTA worker
• Call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040
• Find a site online

Read IRS information on the EITC

 

FACT: Millions of people who could claim the EITC don't—leaving billions of dollars behind. Don't lose out!