How To Claim The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) In 2025: A Step-By-Step Guide

For the 19th year in a row, the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is launching its “Awareness Day” campaign to help provide financial relief to families facing economic challenges.

According to the IRS, about one in five eligible taxpayers fail to claim this valuable credit. With over 50 years of experience, the EITC program is calling on the public to help reach out to workers who may qualify for the credit. This initiative is a collaborative effort between local, state, and federal authorities aimed at reducing poverty across the United States.

Eligibility For The EITC

To claim the EITC, workers need to:

• File a tax return using Form 1040 (or 1040-SR for seniors).
• Ensure they meet income requirements:
  • Individuals with no children: annual income must be below $25,511.
  • Families with three or more children: annual income must be below $66,819.
• Be a U.S. citizen by birth or a resident for at least one year.
• Have a valid Social Security Number (SSN).

The IRS cannot process EITC refunds before mid-February, but if everything is in order, refunds via direct deposit are generally available by March 3. By December 2024, approximately 23 million workers and families had received over $64 billion from the EITC.

Steps To Claim The EITC

1. File Online
   Use the IRS.gov website to file your taxes. The site offers interactive forms for free and allows you to file your tax return independently.

2. Live Chat Support
   Get help with your tax filing through the IRS’s live chat service. This provides taxpayers with support for free to help them prepare and submit their state tax returns.

3. Free Tax Professional Assistance
   You can also request in-person assistance from a certified public accountant (CPA), an enrolled agent, or a trusted volunteer listed in the Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers.

4. Volunteer Help
   The IRS offers Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) services. These resources are available nationwide to help low-income workers file their taxes for free. You can find local services on the IRS website or by calling 800-906-9887.

Important Details:

• The EITC helps lower-income workers and families by offering a tax refund.
• Refunds are generally issued by March 3 if you choose direct deposit and there are no issues with your return.

For more details, visit IRS.gov or call the helpline to get assistance with your claim.

Source: MARCA