You may qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) if you worked and earned income within the IRS limits. The IRS has a free EITC Assistant tool that takes about 15 minutes.
- what this is
- Federal refundable credit
- who may qualify
- Workers within IRS income limits
- what you may receive
- Up to several thousand dollars (placeholder)
- where to check
- IRS.gov EITC Assistant
- cost
- Free
- deadline
- Tax filing deadline
- state
- All
- last checked
- 2026-04-30
- watch out for
- Tax preparers charging high fees for free credits
Who qualifies
Working individuals and families within income limits set each year by the IRS.
How to claim
File a federal tax return — even if you don't owe tax — and claim the EITC.
- program type
- Tax credit
- common benefit
- Refundable credit
- who it may help
- Working low-/moderate-income households
- application cost
- Free to claim
- availability
- Federal
- main documents
- W-2/1099, SSNs
- risk warning
- Use IRS Free File when eligible
Tax preparers charging high fees for free credits
FAQ
You can amend prior returns within IRS limits to claim missed EITC — see IRS guidance.
Related
How to Check If You Qualify for the Child Tax Credit
If you have a qualifying child, you may be eligible for the federal Child Tax Credit.
How to Find State Tax Credits
Many states offer their own credits for renters, families, clean energy, and more.
You may qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) if you worked and earned income within the IRS limits. The IRS has a free EITC Assistant tool that takes about 15 minutes.
We link to the official source so you can verify eligibility, deadlines, and application steps before you apply. · Article last checked 2026-04-30.
Independent publisher. Claim What's Yours is not a government agency, law firm, tax preparer, settlement administrator, or benefits office. Always confirm eligibility, deadlines, and application details with the official source.