How to claim the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)

To claim the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), you must qualify for the credit and file a federal tax return.

Use the EITC Qualification Assistant to find out if you were eligible for the credit.

Forms to file

To claim EITC, you must file Form 1040, U.S. Individual Income Tax Return or Form 1040-SR, U.S. Tax Return for Seniors, even if you are not required to file.

If you are claiming the credit for a qualifying child, you must also complete and attach the Schedule EIC (Form 1040 or 1040-SR), Earned Income Credit with your tax return.

The Schedule EIC is not required if claiming the credit without a qualifying child.

Tax help

If you need help preparing your return, try one of these options:

Your refund

If you claim the EITC, your refund may be delayed. By law, the IRS cannot issue EITC refunds before mid-February.

Errors on your return will delay your refund. Avoid these common errors.

Use Where's My Refund? or the IRS2Go mobile app to track your refund.

To get your refund faster, file your taxes online and have your refund sent to you through direct deposit.

Claim the EITC for prior years

You have three years to file and claim a refund from the due date of your tax return. If you were eligible, you can still claim the EITC for prior years.

  • For 2024 if you file your tax return by April 17, 2028
  • For 2023 if you file your tax return by April 15, 2027
  • For 2022 if you file your tax return by April 15, 2026

To file a prior year tax return, complete and file Form 1040. Include the Schedule EIC if you had a qualifying child.

If you filed a tax return but didn't claim the EITC and you were eligible, file an amended return, Form 1040-X. See Tax topic 308, Amended returns.

Other credits you may qualify for

If you qualify for the EITC, you may also qualify for other tax credits.

Use the Interactive Tax Assistant to see if you qualify for one or more of these credits.

Resources

Page Last Reviewed or Updated: 23-Jan-2026