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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the Earned Income Tax Credit?

A: A refundable tax credit for working families designed to refund a portion of taxes taken out of paychecks. The amount of credit based on earned income from a job or self-employment income.

Q: How do I know if I qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit?

A: You must have working income during the year you are filing a tax return for the credit. Filing for the 2022 Tax Year, the maximum eligible household income is $53,057 or $59,187 if married filing jointly with three or more dependents. In addition, you must have a valid Social Security number.

Q: Do I have to have kids to claim the Earned Income Tax Credit?

A: No, you may be eligible with no children or dependents. If you are married (filing jointly, or legally separated for 6 months) single. Must have income earned from work during the year you are filing a return. The amount of the credit is more with eligible dependents. Max amount for 3 or more dependents. Eligible dependents include a son, daughter, stepchild, brother, sister, half-sibling, stepsibling, foster child, adopted child, or a descendant of any of these. The dependent must have lived with you in the United States for more than half the year. If you file a joint return, you can include the time the child lived with your spouse.

Q: How do you apply to claim the Earned Income Tax Credit?

A: To claim EITC you must file a tax return file Form 1040.

Q: How many years can I claim the Earned Income Tax Credit?

A: You have three years to file and claim the EITC refund from the due date of your tax return.

Q: Do you have to be an income earner to receive the benefit?

A: Yes. Only those who are working and earning wages are entitled to receive the benefit.

Q: Would getting Earned Income Tax Credit lower other government benefits?

A: No, the different benefit initiatives of the government are tailor made to solve different problems. Generally, EITC does not stop you from receiving other government benefits if you are due for them.

Q. Can a worker claim the benefit if they have not done so for the past few years?

A: In the U.S. and a fewer other countries, workers can file for tax credit refunds for up to three years preceding the current tax year.

Q: Do I have to have children to claim the Earned Income Tax Credit?

A: You do not have to have a dependent to qualify for the EITC.

Q: Am I too old to claim the Earned Income Tax Credit?

A: The EITC credit is available to income earners from 18 years to 64 years of age.

Q: How do I receive the Earned Income Tax Credit?

A: You must file a tax return and claim the credit. It is not an automatic credit.

Q: Can I get the EITC if I owe money to the IRS?

A: Yes, you can still claim the credit if you owe money to the IRS. The credit amount is first applied to outstanding tax liability and remaining funds are added to the tax refund amount.

Q: I may have been eligible but did not claim the Earned Income Tax Credit on my tax return last year, can I still get the credit?

A: Yes, if eligible with earned income you can file an amendment using the 1040X tax form to claim the EITC for up to three years prior to the current tax year.

Q: Do I have to prepare my own taxes?

A: No, we encourage all Flint and Genesee County residents to file a tax return every year. You can either visit a free tax preparation location ran by The United Way of Genesee County’s VITA program or complete your 1040 tax filing online through the IRS.gov website for free.

Q: How can I get free tax preparation?

A: Visit a local Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) location or access free self-preparation software online at IRS.gov. IRS certified tax preparers will prepare your return at no cost as a Genesee County resident with eligible household income (under $70,000). Investment income over $10,300 or other advanced situations will be referred to a local tax preparer.

Q: Can I sign the paperwork for my spouse/partner if I visit a free tax preparation site?

A: Adults are required to sign their own paperwork and consent to the tax preparation. Proof of identification and income is also required.

Q: What if I lived or worked out of state?

A: You must be a Michigan resident. VITA is not available for tax preparation for those who lived or worked outside of the state of Michigan.

Q: Is free tax preparation assistance available for my business taxes?

A: No, business taxes require more advanced tax preparation and we refer to outside tax professionals.

Q: Why is the Earned Income Tax Credit important?

A: The Earned Income Tax Credit is a cost-effective anti-poverty intervention tool used to lift families out of poverty and improve health in as little as five years. Narrowing the wealth gap and enabling low-income earners to focus on other opportunities to better their lives.

Q: How do I know if I qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit?

A: If you worked and earned a wage, you qualify for EITC within the household income guidelines. See EITC Eligibility section of the website.

Q: How do I know if I qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit?

A: If you worked and earned a wage, you qualify for EITC within the household income guidelines. See EITC Eligibility section of the website.

Q: Can I claim the Earned Income Tax Credit if I am married?

A: Yes, married filing jointly is required to claim the EITC. However, if you are married and legally separated for more than six months, you may claim the EITC by filing separate. Otherwise, if married and filing separate will not qualify you to claim the credit.