The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is for people who work and meet certain income guidelines. You may get money back when you file your taxes and keep more of what you earned. It can make a big difference!
Learn more details and file for tax credits at a free tax assistance site near you. There are about 300 sites in Massachusetts open during tax season. You may even get credits for the last two years.
How much money can I get back?
Your EITC check depends mainly on your family size and your 2011 income.
Qualifying and credit amounts above are based on Single and Head of Household filers.
Note: Alimony and child support payments do not count towards income.
A “qualifying child” can be your...
Biological or adopted child
Stepchild
Foster child
Brother or sister
Stepbrother or stepsister
... or the children of any of these people.
A "child" must be younger than the person claiming the child; not have filed a joint return other than to claim a refund; and under 19. unless they are a full-time student
under 24 or permanently and totally disabled.
How do I know if I qualify for EITC?
You must have worked and earned income
You must have a valid Social Security number
You cannot be counted as a "child" by someone else
There are more rules about age, citizenship, and non-earned/foreign income. A FREE tax preparer
can explain these rules; or visit www.irs.gov/eitc for more
information.
What if I don’t owe any tax?
No problem. You can still get the tax credits.
Will the EITC affect my benefits?
In Massachusetts, getting the EITC and the state tax credit EIC will not affect your eligibility for Medicaid, SSI, food benefits, low-income housing, or TAFDC. (EITC does not count as income in determining eligibility for these benefits.)
Some families can get a child tax credit (CTC) too!
Your family may qualify for the CTC, which may reduce your tax by as much as $1000 for each qualifying child.
Extra state benefit
When you qualify for the federal EITC, you automatically qualify for a Massachusetts tax credit
(EIC) that will give you an extra 15% of your EITC check. $3094 turns into $3558!
I’m convinced. Where can I file?
You can go to a free tax assistance site. These sites have trained volunteers who will check your eligibility and then help you fill out your tax forms. To find a free tax site near you:
Visit www.irs.gov and use search term (VITA site); or
