How does Earned Income Tax Credit work?

File your taxes by April 15, 2021. To qualify you must have earned income from working for someone or from running or owning a business or farm and meet basic rules. You’ll need to file your federal and New York State tax returns to claim EITC. If you qualify for the EITC, the City can help you file your taxes for free with NYC Free Tax prep. If you qualify, the government mails your refund or deposits it into your bank account. If you owe the government money, be aware that late filing penalties may apply for filing after April 15, 2021. Refunds for filers who claim EITC will not be distributed until the first week of March.

Am I eligible for Earned Income Tax Credit?

To be eligible for EITC, you should be able to answer yes to all of these questions: Do you have a valid Social Security Number? Will you file a tax return this year? Did you earn less than $3,650 from investments? If you don’t have any qualifying children, are you between 25 and 65 years old? EITC also looks at your income from the previous year to determine if you are eligible.

How do I Apply to Earned Income Tax Credit?

File your taxes for free with NYC Free Tax Prep. If you earn $68,000 or less (with children) or $48,000 or less (without children), you may qualify to have your taxes prepared for free through drop-off service or in person at one of the tax prep locations near you . To claim your EITC you must file your federal and state tax returns during tax season. You will need the following forms: Schedule EIC for the federal return, if you have a child Form IT-215 for the New York State credit Worksheet C in the Instructions Form for IT-215 for the New York City credit

Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)

1. How it Works

EITC can provide a tax refund of up to $8,991 (combined Federal, State, and City). An eligible New Yorker receives $2,400 on average. The credit is meant for low- to moderate-income working individuals and couples, particularly those with children. You claim the credit when you file your taxes.

File your taxes by April 15, 2021.
To qualify you must have earned income from working for someone or from running or owning a business or farm and meet basic rules.
You’ll need to file your federal and New York State tax returns to claim EITC.
If you qualify for the EITC, the City can help you file your taxes for free with NYC Free Tax prep.
If you qualify, the government mails your refund or deposits it into your bank account.
If you owe the government money, be aware that late filing penalties may apply for filing after April 15, 2021.
Refunds for filers who claim EITC will not be distributed until the first week of March.

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2. Determine Your Eligibility

2. Determine your eligibility

To be eligible for EITC, you should be able to answer yes to all of these questions:

Do you have a valid Social Security Number?
Will you file a tax return this year?
Did you earn less than $3,650 from investments?
If you don’t have any qualifying children, are you between 25 and 65 years old?

EITC also looks at your income from the previous year to determine if you are eligible.

Take a short survey to see if you might be eligible for this or 30 other programs.

Am I Eligible?

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3. What You Need to Include

3. What you need to include

It’s important to include the right documents when you apply. Your documents show whether the program is right for you.

This page can help you choose the right documents for your application.

If you want to receive your refund through direct deposit, you will need banking information (voided check and/or savings deposit slip).

You should bring a copy of last year’s return, if it is available. The income documents listed are necessary to file your taxes. You should bring a copy of last year’s return, if it is available.

Form 1095-A if you, your spouse, or dependents enrolled in a health insurance plan through the Health Plan Marketplace.

For each person applying, any one document:

Drivers license/official photo ID
Social Security Card or ITIN
Social Security Card for dependents

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4. How to Apply

4. How to apply

Here are your options.

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Tax refund for workers and families