The Earned Income Credit Could Be Worth Up to $8,046
The EITC is one of the largest refundable credits available. Many eligible filers miss it every year. Check if you qualify.
Quick Summary
The Earned Income Tax Credit is worth up to $8,046 for 2025. About 1 in 5 eligible taxpayers miss it every year.
The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a refundable credit worth up to $8,046 for the 2025 tax year. Unlike most credits, the EITC can result in a refund even if you owe no federal tax. Yet the IRS estimates about 1 in 5 eligible taxpayers fail to claim it.
2025 EITC Maximum Amounts
| Children | Maximum Credit | Income Limit (Single) | Income Limit (Joint) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | $649 | $19,104 | $26,214 |
| 1 | $4,328 | $50,434 | $57,554 |
| 2 | $7,152 | $57,310 | $64,430 |
| 3+ | $8,046 | $61,555 | $68,675 |
Who Qualifies
To claim the EITC, you must have earned income from wages, self-employment, or certain other sources. You need a valid Social Security number, and your investment income must be $11,950 or less.
Why People Miss It
Many filers miss the EITC because they don’t realize they qualify. Workers without children can still claim up to $649. People whose income changed during the year may now fall within the eligible range.
Others miss it because they don’t file a return at all. If your income is below the filing threshold, you still need to file to claim the EITC refund.
How to Claim It
File your federal return and answer the EITC-related questions. The credit is calculated automatically based on your income and number of qualifying children. You can file for free at MyFreeTaxReturn.com and check your EITC eligibility in minutes.
Source: IRS Publication 596