Learn More About the Earned Income Tax Credit

By MB -
From our friends at U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families

Last year, over 26 million people nationwide received nearly $59 billion in EITC. The EIC has a big impact on families with children as last year 6.6 million people, 3.3 million of them children, were lifted out of poverty last year due to EITC. While these are impressive numbers, the IRS estimates between 20% and 25% of those eligible for the credit do NOT claim it.

Are you eligible to claim EITC for 2011 taxes?
  • Must have earned income in 2011
  • Must have a valid Social Security number
  • Investment income limited to $3,150
  • Generally, must be a U.S. citizen or resident alien all year
  • Cannot use “married filing separate” filing status
  • Cannot be a qualifying child of another person
  • Cannot file Form 2555 or 2555-EZ (related to foreign earned income)

If you meet these rules, your earned income must also be less than . . .
  • $13,660 ($18,740 if married filing jointly) with no qualifying children
  • $36,052 ($41,132 if married filing jointly) with one qualifying child
  • $40,964 ($46,044 if married filing jointly) with two qualifying children
  • $43,998 ($49,078 if married filing jointly) with three or more qualifying children

You could be Eligible to Receive an EITC up to:
  • $464 with no qualifying children
  • $3,094 one qualifying child
  • $5,112 two qualifying children
  • $5,751 three qualifying children

Do you want help figuring out the EITC?
  • Use the interactive EITC Assistant at www.irs.gov/eitc to show you if you qualify
  • Call the IRS toll free at 1-800-TAX-1040
  • Visit a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance site for FREE help and tax preparation, or see your tax preparer. To find the nearest site call: 1-800-906-9887
  • If you are in Delaware County or Philadelphia, call PathWays PA at 1-800-209-2914 to register at one of our VITA sites.

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