TaxAct® will automatically calculate the earned income credit based on the information entered in your return. If you qualify for the credit, the amount will be included as a Payment on your Federal Tax Summary. You must enter your income and dependent information before the credit can calculate.

To review your earned income credit information:

1. From within your TaxAct return (Online or Desktop) click Federal. On smaller devices, click the menu icon in the upper left-hand corner, then select Federal
2. Click Other Credits in the Federal Quick Q&A Topics menu to expand the section, then click Earned Income Credit
3. The program will proceed with the interview questions for you to enter or review your EIC information

Additional Information

The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC or EIC) is a refundable income tax credit for working individuals and families with modest incomes. As a refundable credit, the EIC becomes a tax refund when the amount of the credit exceeds the amount of tax owed.

For 2018, the credit is worth a maximum of:

$6,431 with three or more qualifying children
$5,716 with two qualifying children
$3,461 with one qualifying child
$519 with no qualifying children

In order to qualify for the credit, your adjusted gross income (AGI) must be less than:

$49,194 ($54,884 married filing jointly) with three or more qualifying children
$45,802 ($51,492 married filing jointly) with two qualifying children
$40,320($46,010 married filing jointly) with one qualifying child
$15,270 ($20,950 married filing jointly) with no qualifying children

Your total investment income must also be $3,500 or less for the year.

See the IRS website EITC Central for more information.

Related Links

• Earned Income Amount Increases 
• Other Earned Income Credit FAQs