Workers may get a larger tax refund this year because of the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). But to get it, you must file a tax return and claim it.

This year, IRS is promoting EITC and providing information on other refundable tax credits that you may be eligible for. This includes the Child Tax Credit (CTC), the Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC), the Credit for Other Dependents (ODC) and the American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC).

Nationwide, as of December 2023, approximately 23 million taxpayers received over $57 billion in EITC.

If you worked last year and had income of less than $63,398 check out your eligibility for EITC.

Why is it important to be aware of EITC? 

EITC can mean up to a $7,430 refund if you have qualifying children and file a return. Workers without a qualifying child could be eligible for a smaller credit up to $600. According to the Internal Revenue Service, the average amount credited for 2022 was $2,541.

One-third of the EITC population changes each year. The IRS estimates that four out of five workers claim the EITC. This leaves billions of dollars on the table each year. We want to get the word out to those who are eligible to file a tax return even if they don’t owe any tax to claim the EITC. It’s money workers can use for groceries, rent, utilities and other bills.

Guidelines for EITC

EITC is complex. It varies by income, family size, and your filing status. To be eligible, you must have earned income or certain disability income. This means you must have income from working for someone or working for yourself.

Volunteers – trained by the Internal Revenue Service – ask you the needed questions to find out if you qualify for the EITC and other refundable tax credits. Volunteers at Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites, also prepare and e-file (electronically file) your tax return at no cost to you:

• Visit our free tax preparation site at www.uwcac.org/vita ,

• Find a volunteer free tax return preparation site at IRS.gov/freetaxprep  or

• Call 211 to find a volunteer free tax return preparation site

Bring the following to make sure you get the right amount of credit you deserve:

• A valid driver's license or other photo ID card

• Social security cards, a social security number verification letter for all persons listed on the return

• Birth dates for all persons listed on the return

• All income statements: Forms W-2 and 1099, Social Security, unemployment, and other statements, such as pensions, stocks, interest, and any documents showing taxes withheld

• All records of expenses, such as tuition, mortgage interest, or real estate taxes

• Copies of last year's state and federal tax returns, if available

• Bank routing numbers and account numbers to direct deposit any refund

• Dependent childcare information: name and address of who you paid and either the caretaker's SSN or other tax identification number

• If you purchased coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace, Form 1095-A PDF, Health Insurance Marketplace Statement

• Both spouses are to sign forms to e-file a joint tax return

Learn more about free income tax preparation

Are you looking for more information on free tax prep? Check out our Volunteer Income Tax Assistance page: