The IRS issued a reminder Tuesday about the Earned Income Tax Credit, noting that one in five eligible taxpayers fails to claim the benefit.

The EITC averaged $2,916 during the previous tax year, but amounts vary by family size. For tax year 2025, the maximum credit ranges from $649 for filers with no qualifying children to $8,046 for families with three or more children. Single-child families can receive up to $4,328, while two-child families can claim up to $7,152.

Eligibility depends primarily on earned income and investment income levels. For tax year 2025, investment income must be $11,950 or less. Adjusted gross income limits vary based on filing status and number of dependents claimed.

Single filers, heads of household, those married filing separately, or qualifying surviving spouses can earn up to $19,104 with no children, $50,434 with one child, $57,310 with two children, or $61,555 with three or more children. These limits increase for married couples filing jointly to $26,214, $57,554, $64,430, and $68,675 respectively.

Applicants must have valid Social Security numbers and be U.S. citizens or resident aliens for the entire year. Military members and clergy face different qualifying rules.

The IRS offers an EITC Assistant tool to help taxpayers determine eligibility.

Taxpayers who claim the EITC or Additional Child Tax Credit likely won’t receive refunds until March 2, due to federal law that prevents the IRS from issuing them before mid-February. The restriction applies to the entire refund, not just the credit portion.

Refund tracking becomes available February 21 through the IRS “Where’s My Refund” tool. The tax filing deadline is April 15.

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