How does Earned Income Tax Credit work?

File your 2023 tax return by April 15, 2024 to claim this credit. On average, most eligible New Yorkers receive $2,300 in combined EITC benefits. The combined credit can be worth up to $11,000.

Am I eligible for Earned Income Tax Credit?

To claim the EITC credit on your 2023 tax return, these must apply to you: You have a valid Social Security Number. Your income, marital, and parental status in 2023 were one of these. Married with qualifying children and earning up to $63,398 Married with no qualifying children and earning up to $24,210 Single with qualifying children and earning up to $56,838 Single with no qualifying children and earning up to $17,640 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 2023 or you lived apart from your spouse for the last 6 months of 2023. You had investment income of less than $11,000 in 2023. If you are still unsure if you qualify, the IRS has a calculator that can tell you if you qualify .

How do I Apply to Earned Income Tax Credit?

Get free tax filing help if your family earned $85,000 or less or if you’re a single filer who earned $59,000 or less in 2023. IRS-certified VITA/TCE volunteer preparers can help you file online, in person, or after you drop off your documents. To claim your EITC you must file your federal and state tax returns during tax season. You will need the following forms: Form 1040 or Form 1040NR 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 free tax filing help if your family earned $85,000 or less or if you’re a single filer who earned $59,000 or less in 2023. IRS-certified VITA/TCE volunteer preparers can help you file online, in person, or after you drop off your documents.

Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)

1. 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.

File your 2023 tax return by April 15, 2024 to claim this credit.
On average, most eligible New Yorkers receive $2,300 in combined EITC benefits. The combined credit can be worth up to $11,000.

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2. Determine Your Eligibility

2. Determine your eligibility

To claim the EITC credit on your 2023 tax return, these must apply to you:

You have a valid Social Security Number.
Your income, marital, and parental status in 2023 were one of these.
- Married with qualifying children and earning up to $63,398
- Married with no qualifying children and earning up to $24,210
- Single with qualifying children and earning up to $56,838
- Single with no qualifying children and earning up to $17,640
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 2023 or you lived apart from your spouse for the last 6 months of 2023.
You had investment income of less than $11,000 in 2023.

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

Next section:

3. What You Need to Include

3. What you need to include

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

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4. How to Apply

4. How to apply

Get free tax filing help if your family earned $85,000 or less or if you’re a single filer who earned $59,000 or less in 2023. IRS-certified VITA/TCE volunteer preparers can help you file online, in person, or after you drop off your documents.

File online

To claim your EITC you must file your federal and state tax returns during tax season. You will need the following forms:

Form 1040 or Form 1040NR
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

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Tax credit for working individuals and families