The Earned Income Tax Credit is a refundable tax credit designed in part to reduce the tax burden on low income individuals and families both with and without children. In 2017, the maximum credit was $6,318 ($6,431 in 2018).
Earned Income Tax Credit Calculator Instructions
Step 1: Select your tax year
Step 2: Select your tax filing status
Step 3: Enter your income
Step 4: Select your qualifying children
Step 5: Select your age at the end of the tax year
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I qualify with no children? Are there age limits to qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit?
If you have no qualifying children, you must meet income requirements and be between 25 and 64 years old. There are no age requirements if you have qualifying children.
What are the qualifying child requirements?
To qualify your child must be under 19 or under 24 if a full-time student. Additionally, there are no age limits if your child is totally and permanently disabled. Also, only one person may claim a qualifying child.
What are the income limits?
For tax year 2018, your Earned Income and Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) must each be less than:
| Filing Status | 0 Children | 1 Child | 2 Children | 3+ Children |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single, Head of Household | 15,270 | 40,320 | 45,802 | 49,194 |
| Married Filing Jointly | 20,950 | 46,010 | 51,492 | 54,884 |
For tax year 2017, your Earned income and Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) must each be less than:
| Filing Status | 0 Children | 1 Child | 2 Children | 3+ Children |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single, HoH | 15,010 | 39,617 | 45,007 | 48,340 |
| Married Filing Jointly | 20,600 | 45,207 | 50,597 | 53,930 |
Are there any other notable requirements?
Your filing status cannot be Married Filing Separately and your investment income cannot exceed $3,500.