EITC & Child Tax Credit Calculator
Estimate your Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit. Enter filing status, earned income, AGI, and qualifying children to see both credits and the combined refund impact.
From line 11 of Form 1040. If unsure, use the same value as earned income.
Childless taxpayers must be age 25-64 to qualify for EITC.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)?
EITC is a refundable federal tax credit for low- to moderate-income working people. "Refundable" means you can get money back even if you owe no tax. The credit increases as earnings rise (phase-in), peaks at a plateau, then phases out at higher income levels. Maximum 2025 credit is $8,046 for three or more qualifying children.
Who qualifies for EITC?
You must have earned income (wages, self-employment), valid SSNs for everyone claimed, U.S. citizenship or resident-alien status all year, investment income under $11,950 (2025), and filing status that isn't married-filing-separately. Childless filers must additionally be age 25-64 and not be a dependent of anyone else.
What is the Child Tax Credit (CTC)?
CTC is worth up to $2,000 per qualifying child under age 17 with a valid SSN. The credit phases out at $200,000 single / $400,000 married filing jointly, reducing by $50 per $1,000 of AGI above the threshold. Up to $1,700 per child is refundable as the Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC), based on 15% of earned income over $2,500.
Can I get both EITC and CTC?
Yes. EITC and CTC stack — both can appear on the same return. Many working parents with two or more qualifying children get combined credits of $10,000+. The IRS holds early refunds containing EITC or ACTC claims until mid-February each year (the PATH Act).