How does Earned Income Tax Credit work?

File your 2024 tax return by April 15, 2025 to claim this credit. On average, most eligible New Yorkers receive $2,300 in combined EITC credits. The combined credit can be worth up to $11,000.

Am I eligible for Earned Income Tax Credit?

Federal EITC qualifications You have a valid Social Security Number. Your income, marital, and parental status in 2024 were one of these. Married with qualifying children and earning up to $66,819 Married with no qualifying children and earning up to $25,511 Single with qualifying children and earning up to $59,899 Single with no qualifying children and earning up to $18,591 You have qualifying children include biological children, stepchildren, foster children, and grandchildren. If you have no children, the EITC is only available to filers between ages 25 and 64. Married filing separate: A spouse who is not filing a joint return may claim the EITC if: you had a qualifying child who lived with you for more than half of the year; and you were legally separated according to state law at the end of 2024 or you lived apart from your spouse for the last 6 months of 2024. You had investment income of less than $11,600 in 2024. *If you’re still unsure if you qualify, the IRS has a calculator that can tell you if you qualify . New York State EITC qualifications you did not claim the Noncustodial parent earned income credit , and you qualified for and claimed the federal EITC. New York City EITC qualifications were a full-year or part-year New York City resident, and claimed the federal earned income credit.

How do I Apply to Earned Income Tax Credit?

File your federal taxes for free with getyourrefund.org to claim the federal EITC. You’ll also need to file your state tax refund separately to get the New York State and City EITC. You can also get free tax filing help through NYC Free Tax Prep services. If filing your taxes by mail, you will need these forms: Form 1040 or Form 1040NR for the federal EITC 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 Get in-person tax filing help through NYC Free Tax Prep . IRS-certified VITA/TCE volunteer preparers can help you file in person, or after you drop off your documents.

Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)

How it works

The EITC is a tax credit for qualifying families, noncustodial parents, and individuals who work full time or part time or are self-employed. There are federal, state, and New York City versions of the EITC.

File your 2024 tax return by April 15, 2025 to claim this credit.
On average, most eligible New Yorkers receive $2,300 in combined EITC credits. The combined credit can be worth up to $11,000.

Eligibility requirements

Federal EITC qualifications

You have a valid Social Security Number.
Your income, marital, and parental status in 2024 were one of these.
- Married with qualifying children and earning up to $66,819
- Married with no qualifying children and earning up to $25,511
- Single with qualifying children and earning up to $59,899
- Single with no qualifying children and earning up to $18,591
You have qualifying children include biological children, stepchildren, foster children, and grandchildren.
- If you have no children, the EITC is only available to filers between ages 25 and 64.
Married filing separate: A spouse who is not filing a joint return may claim the EITC if:
- you had a qualifying child who lived with you for more than half of the year; and
- you were legally separated according to state law at the end of 2024 or you lived apart from your spouse for the last 6 months of 2024.
You had investment income of less than $11,600 in 2024.

*If you’re still unsure if you qualify, the IRS has a calculator that can tell you if you qualify.

New York State EITC qualifications

you did not claim the Noncustodial parent earned income credit, and
you qualified for and claimed the federal EITC.

New York City EITC qualifications

were a full-year or part-year New York City resident, and
claimed the federal earned income credit.

Required documents

See a list of documents you’ll need to file your taxes and claim the EITC.

How to apply

File your federal taxes for free with getyourrefund.org to claim the federal EITC. You’ll also need to file your state tax refund separately to get the New York State and City EITC.

You can also get free tax filing help through NYC Free Tax Prep services.

File online

If filing your taxes by mail, you will need these forms:

Form 1040 or Form 1040NR for the federal EITC
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

Get in-person tax filing help through NYC Free Tax Prep. IRS-certified VITA/TCE volunteer preparers can help you file in person, or after you drop off your documents.

Find a tax prep location

Get help

Learn about tax credits that you can claim.

Find a VITA or TCE location

Call 800-906-9887 to find the nearest Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) or Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE).

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Last Updated August 26, 2025

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Tax credit for working individuals and families