Earned Income Tax Credit: A Tax Break for the Middle Class
The EITC can top $6,000 if you have three or more qualifying children.

Even if you don’t owe tax or aren’t required to file a return, there’s a strong incentive for people who work to file anyway: the Earned Income Tax Credit. Depending on your income and how many children you have, this tax credit can be worth as much as $6,242.
The income limits are fairly low. If you have no kids, for example, your earned income and adjusted gross income must each be less than $14,820 if you're single. If you’re married filing jointly, the limit is $20,330. If you have three or more kids and are married, though, your earned income and AGI can be as high as $53,267.
When the tax credit exceeds the amount of taxes owed, the IRS will issue a refund to you. But you must file a return to claim the credit—a step many working Americans fail to take.

Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
Check out 8 more tax breaks for the middle class.
Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplinger's advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and much more. Delivered daily. Enter your email in the box and click Sign Me Up.

In his former role as Senior Online Editor, David edited and wrote a wide range of content for Kiplinger.com. With more than 20 years of experience with Kiplinger, David worked on numerous Kiplinger publications, including The Kiplinger Letter and Kiplinger’s Personal Finance magazine. He co-hosted Your Money's Worth, Kiplinger's podcast and helped develop the Economic Forecasts feature.
-
Aging: The Overlooked Risk Factor
Sponsored Elder care is a personal and financial vulnerability many people fail to plan for.
-
AI vs the Stock Market: How Did Alphabet, Nike and Industrial Stocks Perform in June?
AI is a new tool to help investors analyze data, but can it beat the stock market? Here's how a chatbot's stock picks fared in June.
-
2025 SALT Cap Could Hurt Top 'Hidden Home Cost'
Tax Deductions The latest GOP tax bill might make hidden homeowner costs worse for you. Here’s how.
-
No Social Security Tax Cuts in Trump’s 'Big Bill'? What Retirees Need to Know
Tax Policy Eliminating taxes on Social Security benefits is missing from President Trump’s proposed tax overhaul. Here’s why and what an alternative offering could mean for retirement taxes.
-
Five Surprising GOP Senate Bill Tax Changes to Know
Tax Policy Senate Republicans released proposed tax changes for Trump’s ‘one big, beautiful bill.” Some provisions are already stirring debate.
-
Senate Seeks $6,000 'Bonus' Tax Deduction for Those Age 65 and Older
Tax Reform Under Trump’s ‘big bill,’ the Senate Finance Committee has proposed a larger bonus tax deduction for older adults than the House. Will it pass?
-
Don't Miss These Four Tax Breaks for Americans Living Abroad in 2025
International Tax U.S. expats can reduce their tax burden by taking advantage of a handful of tax credits and deductions.
-
Summer Backyard Ideas With Added Tax Benefits for 2025
Tax Tips Find out how these summer 2025 home projects can help you save on taxes next year.
-
Why Your California Utility Bill Could Increase Under Trump's Tax Plan
State Tax Energy bills in the Golden State may shock you if Republican lawmakers in Congress remove certain energy tax credits through Trump's 'big, beautiful bill.'
-
Property Tax Relief Bill in Texas: What to Know for 2025
Property Tax Texas residents could get major relief from property taxes in 2025. Here's a breakdown of the tax cuts.