Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) 2025 — Eligibility, Income Limits & How to Claim

 

📌 What the EITC Is

The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a federal tax credit for low- to moderate-income workers. If you qualify, it can reduce the tax you owe—and in many cases increase your refund. 

📊 2025 Income Limits and Maximum Credit Amounts

For tax year 2025 (returns typically filed in 2026), the IRS lists these maximum AGI limits and maximum credit amounts:

Maximum AGI (Single/HOH/MFS/Widowed vs Married Filing Jointly)
• 0 qualifying children: $19,104 / $26,214
• 1 qualifying child: $50,434 / $57,554
• 2 qualifying children: $57,310 / $64,430
• 3+ qualifying children: $61,555 / $68,675

Maximum credit amounts
• 0 qualifying children: $649
• 1 qualifying child: $4,328
• 2 qualifying children: $7,152
• 3+ qualifying children: $8,046

Investment income limit: $11,950 or less

💵 Basic Rules You Must Meet

• You must have earned income (wages or self-employment income)
• Your investment income must be below the limit
• You (and spouse/child if applicable) must have a valid SSN by the return due date 
• You generally must be a U.S. citizen or resident alien all year
• You generally can’t file Form 2555 (Foreign Earned Income) 

📋 If You Claim EITC Without a Qualifying Child

• Must live in the U.S. more than half the year
• Can’t be claimed as someone else’s qualifying child/dependent
• Must be at least 25 but under 65 at year-end (if married filing jointly, at least one spouse must meet this)

📝 How to Claim EITC

• File Form 1040 or 1040-SR
• If you have qualifying children, you may need to include additional child info as required
• Use the IRS EITC Qualification Assistant if you’re unsure

💡 Tips to Avoid Delays or Problems

• Double-check SSNs and dependent info
• Keep proof of residency and relationship for qualifying children
• Report self-employment income accurately (1099/gig work counts as earned income)
• Make sure investment income stays under the limit

⭐ Final Thoughts

EITC 2025 can be one of the most valuable credits for working families and lower-income workers. If your income falls within the limits and you meet the basic rules, it’s worth checking—because it can meaningfully increase your refund.

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