With 10 days left until the tax filing due date, millions of Americans can still get the best tax credits of which the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is one by claiming it. This credit of up to $7,830 is refundable to alleviate the financial hardship of single-parent and moderate-income families, especially those with kids.
But, every year, quite a big number of people do not fill in the claim form. The IRS reports that approximately 1.1 million taxpayers are yet to send out their 2021 EITC, putting them on the spot in the refund area with their hundreds of millions of dollars. This year, all of those old-fashioned returns must be completed by April 15, 2025, without which the money will never come back ever again.
The EITC is also open to the income of 2024, and if the individual fills out the form now, he or she may be qualified for both years of taxes, of course, depending on their earnings.
It is possible to verify whether you qualify currently and also download the application forms directly from the IRS EITC page.
What Is the Earned Income Tax Credit?
The Earned Income Tax Credit is a refundable credit, which means a positive difference is given directly to the taxpayer if they qualify for an amount that is higher than what they owe. In other words, whether you owe money to the IRS or not, the government will still send you a check.
The credit amount changes based on:
- Income level
- Filing status (single, married filing jointly, head of household, etc.)
- Number of qualifying children or dependents
For the 2025 tax year, the EITC maximum is $7,830 for a married couple with three or more qualifying children and an adjusted gross income (AGI) of $66,819 or less. The amount of the credit for taxpayers with fewer dependents is, of course, less.
EITC Income Limits for 2024 Tax Year
Below are the AGI numbers for this year’s EITC:
- No children, single filer: $18,591
- No children, married filing jointly: $25,511
- One child: $49,084 (single), $56,004 (married)
- Two children: $55,768 (single), $62,688 (married)
- Three or more children: $59,899 (single), $66,819 (married)
These cutoffs are annually adjusted. IRS website has a detailed chart.
For a person to be eligible, they must:
- Have had earned income during the year
- Be in possession of a genuine Social Security number
- Be a US citizen or legal resident
- Not have an investment income of more than $11,600 in 2024
- Not file as “married filing separately”
What Happens If You Don’t File by April 15?
In the event that the EITC for 2024 is the subject of a claim, a six-month extension can be achieved if the IRS Form 4868 is properly filled and sent well before the 15th of April, thereby not incurring penalties or interest for any taxes owed.
However, if you also desire to get the EITC refund of 2021—which can be as high as $6,728—you have to ensure that the return is filed by the last day of the 15th of April in 2025; otherwise, you miss the chance. Prior-year refund claims are not subject to any type of extensions.
Avoid Common Mistakes That Delay Refunds
Errors on EITC claims are the main root cause of tax refunds getting stuck at the IRS processing level. The Taxpayer Advocate Service has outlined the most problematic areas, explaining that the root of these complicated situations is not only delayed returns but also:
- Math mistakes
- Incorrect filing status
- Missing or inaccurate Social Security numbers
- Failing to list all earned income
A faster refund can be achieved if you file electronically and opt for a direct deposit. Refunds will be on their way pretty quickly—usually within 21 days of e-filing.
Find out if your refund is ready by using the IRS’s Where’s My Refund? tool
Last but Not Least It’s a race against time whether you are behind with your tax filing for missing a 2021 return or it is for 2024. If you qualify for the earned income tax credit and are filing for those years, there is a possibility that you may get up to $7,830 if you file before April 15.
