Earned Income Tax Credits (EITC) are tax credits for working people who have earned a low to moderate income. You may be eligible to receive a cash refund or reduce the amount of tax you owe.
There are two EITCs: the California Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC) and the federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). The amount of CalEITC you get depends on your income and family size.
CalEITC
You may qualify for the CalEITC if:
- You’re at least 18 years old or have a qualifying child
- You have earned income of $31,950 or less
- ITIN holders may qualify for state credits like the CalEITC and the California Young Child Tax Credit
| Qualifying Children | Max 2024 Income | CalEITC | Young Child Tax Credit | Foster Youth Tax Credit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | $31,950 | $294 | not eligible | $1,154 |
| 1 | $31,950 | $1,958 | $1,154 | $1,154 |
| 2 | $31,950 | $3,239 | $1,154 | $1,154 |
| 3 or more | $31,950 | $3,644 | $1,154 | $1,154 |
Use our CalEITC calculator to see if you qualify and estimate the amount of your credit.
Federal EITC
The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a federal tax credit for working people who have earned a low-to-moderate income. Unlike the CalEITC, only people with Social Security numbers qualify. If you qualify, you may see a reduced tax bill or a bigger refund. That’s more money in your pocket to pay for the things you need. You can claim the credit whether you’re single or married, or have children or not. The main requirement is that you must earn money from a job.
You qualify for the federal EITC if:
- You (or your spouse if filing a joint return) are at least 19 or over
- You (or your spouse if filing a joint return) and any qualifying children have a Social Security number; AND
- You (and your spouse if filing a joint return) have your main home in the United States for more than half of the tax year; AND
- You (and your spouse if filing a joint return) cannot be claimed as a dependent or qualifying child on anyone else’s return; AND
- You are not married filing separately; AND
- Your tax year investment income is $11,600 or less; AND
- You earned at least $1 of income and no more than:
| Qualifying Children | 2024 Maximum Income (Filing Single) | 2024 Maximum Income (Filing Married) | EITC up to |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | $18,591 | $25,511 | $632 |
| 1 | $49,084 | $56,004 | $4,213 |
| 2 | $55,768 | $62,688 | $6,960 |
| 3 or more | $59,899 | $66,819 | $7,830 |
Was I eligible last year?
Did you know you can amend tax returns up to three years back if you find out you are eligible for tax credits you didn’t originally claim? Read more about how to claim.
Note
- The federal EITC has special rules for military members, clergy, and some people with disabilities.
- Tax credits like the CalEITC and EITC are not considered public benefits under the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
- Parents filing with ITIN can claim the federal Child Tax Credit for citizen children.
- Learn more about the federal EITC here.