The Earned Income Tax Credit is a special credit to assist some working people. It can mean a tax refund to you or a reduction in the income tax that you pay.

How do you get the Credit?

If you have a “qualifying child,” you must file either Form 1040 or 1040A and attach Schedule EIC. If you do not have a “qualifying child,” you may file any tax form, including Form 1040EZ. You will not need to attach Schedule EIC.

Remember, you must file a federal income tax return to claim this credit even if you owe no tax or you had no tax withheld from your paychecks.

More information is available in this brochure published by Legal Aid: The IRS May Owe You Money Through the Earned Income Tax Credit

This brochure is also available in Spanish at: El IRS puede Deberle Dinero a Través del Crédito por Ingreso Del Trabajo

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