EITC Tax Credit Helps Working Families
The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a federal and state income tax credit that is refunded to qualified taxpayers after paying their taxes. Even those who do not pay taxes on their income may still qualify for a refund. Learn more online or call 800-829-1040.
The EITC does not affect certain welfare benefits. In most cases, EITC payments will not be counted as income when you apply for Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), food stamps, low-income housing, or most Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) payments. If you save the EITC refund, it will not count against these federally funded programs' resource/asset limits for 12 months after receiving the refund.
Eligibility
EITC is based on a person's earned income and is claimed by filing a federal income tax return. Use the EITC Assistant to determine eligibility and estimate the expected refund amount.
If you were eligible for EITC in previous years, you can still claim the EITC for up to three years before the current tax year. Check your eligibility for previous years.
Income Guidelines
| EITC Income Eligibility Guidelines for Tax Year 2024 | |||
Number of Eligible Children | Maximum Yearly Gross Income | Maximum EITC Refund | |
| Filing as single, head of household, married filing separately, or widowed | Filing as married filing jointly | ||
| Zero | $18,591 | $25,511 | $632 |
| One | $49,084 | $56,004 | $4,213 |
| Two | $55,768 | $62,688 | $6,960 |
| Three | $59,899 | $66,819 | $7,830 |
The maximum amount of investment income you can have in 2024 and still be eligible for this credit is $16,000. | |||
State Credit may also be Available
Those eligible for the federal EITC may also qualify for the NJEITC. This credit may reduce the amount of taxes owed or provide a refund. Individuals must file federal and state income taxes to be eligible for NJEITC. Learn more about NJEITC.
If you Need Help Filing
Free tax assistance is available. Learn more online.