The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a refundable tax credit for low- to moderate-income workers.
When you file your 2024 taxes in 2025, the maximum EITC is $7,830 for families with three or more qualifying children.
If you have fewer (or no) qualifying children, the maximum is lower. Because the EITC is refundable, you can receive money back even if you owe little or no income tax.
Payment Dates For 2025 Refunds
There isn’t one national “payout day.”
Your EITC refund date depends on when you e-file, how quickly your return is processed, and whether you chose direct deposit.
By law (the PATH Act), the IRS cannot issue refunds that include EITC before mid-February.
Early, accurate e-filers who select direct deposit typically see deposits in late February or early March, provided there are no return issues.
You can track timing using the Where’s My Refund? tool after the IRS accepts your return.
Amounts And Income Limits (Filed In 2025 For Tax Year 2024)
Your credit depends on earned income, filing status, and number of qualifying children.
The investment-income limit for eligibility is $11,600 for the 2024 tax year.
EITC Maximums And Income Limits
| Qualifying Children | Max Credit (Paid In 2025) | Income Limit – Single/Head Of Household | Income Limit – Married Filing Jointly |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | $632 | $18,591 | $25,511 |
| 1 | $4,213 | $49,084 | $56,004 |
| 2 | $6,960 | $55,768 | $62,688 |
| 3+ | $7,830 | $59,899 | $66,819 |
Tip: If your income is near a limit, filing status and accurate child information can make a big difference to your EITC amount.
Who Qualifies For The EITC
You may claim the EITC if you:
- Have earned income from wages or self-employment.
- Meet the income limits above and the $11,600 investment-income cap.
- Provide valid Social Security numbers for yourself, your spouse (if any), and each qualifying child.
- Do not file Form 2555 (foreign earned income).
- Are not the qualifying child of another taxpayer.
- For qualifying children, meet the relationship, age, residency, and joint-return tests.
How To Get Your Refund Faster
- E-File And Use Direct Deposit: The quickest way to receive your EITC refund once the PATH hold lifts.
- Check Your Details: Ensure names, SSNs, dependents, and income match your documents. Errors trigger delays.
- Report All Income: Include W-2s and 1099s; mismatches can pause your refund.
- Avoid Common Mistakes: Only one household can claim the same child; double-claims are a frequent cause of holds.
Common Reasons For Delays
- A mismatch in child eligibility or SSNs.
- Unreported 1099 income or self-employment discrepancies.
- Manual identity verification requests.
- Paper filing instead of e-filing.
The $7,830 EITC can be a major boost for eligible families when filing 2024 taxes in 2025.
To receive your money as soon as legally possible, e-file, choose direct deposit, and carefully verify your income, dependents, and SSNs.
Understand that EITC refunds are held until mid-February by law, so plan cash flow accordingly. With accurate filing and the right choices, you’ll maximize your credit and reduce delays.
FAQs
What Is The Maximum EITC I Can Get In 2025?
For returns filed in 2025 (tax year 2024 income), the maximum EITC is $7,830 for families with three or more qualifying children. Lower maximums apply for two, one, or zero children.
When Will My EITC Refund Arrive?
Because of the PATH Act, refunds with EITC are not released before mid-February. If you e-file early and select direct deposit, many taxpayers see funds in late February or early March, assuming no issues.
Can I Get The EITC If I Don’t Have Children?
Yes. Workers without children can qualify for a smaller credit—up to $632—if they meet the income limits, are the right age, and meet the investment-income and other eligibility rules.