Skip to main content
U.S. flag

This site is a work in progress. If you can’t find what you need, visit IRS.gov.

How do I get the Earned Income Tax Credit?

Even if you don't normally file taxes, you will need to file them to receive the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC).

Information you will need

Before you get started, make sure you have the following for yourself (and your spouse and any children you're listing on your tax return):

  • Social security number
  • Birth date
  • All income statements, including:
    • W-2 or W-2G
    • 1099-MISC
    • Social security
    • Unemployment
    • Pensions
    • Stocks
    • Interest
    • Any documents showing taxes withheld
  • All records of expenses, including:
    • Tuition payments
    • Mortgage interest
    • Real estate taxes
  • Records of child care expenses, including:
    • The name and address of paid caretakers
    • Their social security number or other tax identification number
  • Bank routing numbers and account numbers to direct deposit any refund

If you purchase coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace, you'll need Form 1095-A (Health Insurance Marketplace Statement)

If you have them, copies of last year's federal and state tax returns.

If you own or run a business or farm, collect records of all your income and expenses.

How to file your taxes

The easiest way to get this credit is to either:

If you want to do your own taxes, you'll need to complete the forms listed below.

If you don't have children, fill out your federal tax form. This is either the:

If you do have children, fill out your federal tax form. This either the:

You'll also need to give information about each child on the Schedule EIC form.

Note: If you receive EITC, the money from it does not count as income when you are filing your taxes next year or applying for other government benefits.

Page last updated: 9/19/2016